A bigger, better Oktoberfest on tap for 2022
Ms. Oktoberfest, Lori Kuehl, an original member of the Oktoberfest Committee, enthusiastically engages with the crowd along the parade route during last year’s Oktoberfest. The 2022 event is expected to be even more fun. (Photo by Ted Pennekamp)
By Ted Pennekamp
This year’s Prairie du Chien Oktoberfest is expected to be bigger, better and more fun than ever.
The Prairie du Chien Oktoberfest Committee has announced that this year Oktoberfest will go from Oct. 12-15 and will offer 16 fun-filled events that are geared for all ages, ability levels, and are family friendly. This will be the 12th year of Oktoberfest and the committee has some new and exciting changes along with the many past favorites including the big parade, Tapping of the Keg, Stein Holding Contest, Keg Throw, and much more.
Oktoberfest’s biggest announcement is that because of the on-going success, it has outgrown its former site and will be relocating just a couple of blocks away at the new Firemen’s Association Shelter/area on St. Feriole Island across from St. Feriole Island Ballpark just off of Blackhawk Avenue. The committee is looking forward to offering a larger user-friendly area to provide a better venue for fest goers.
“We have moved locations this year primarily because of the need for Oktoberfest to expand as our number of events and fest goers have increased each year,” said Prairie du Chien Parks and Recreation Director Mike Ulrich, a member of the Oktoberfest Committee. “With the addition on the new Prairie du Chien Firemen’s Association Shelter, it was felt this would be a great move for everybody involved so kudos goes out to the Firemen’s Association for providing this to the community!”
“Three terrific bands will highlight the festival with Silbertaler Musikantan playing German polkas on Thursday, the Rock ‘n Roll Polka band Live Wire from Green Bay will be playing on Friday night and Saturday and we also are bringing back our first ever Oktoberfest band for traditional polka fun and dancing, the Guttenberg German Band,” continued Ulrich.
“Some of the new events for our 12th year of holding Oktoberfest include: the Lederhosen Luncheon at which we will have live German music along with great food at Huckleberrys,” said Ulrich. “We will also have a larger Children’s Activities Tent packed full of new activities along with the Star Power Dance Team performance and a Youth Root Beer Stein Holding Contest and lastly a Corn Hole tournament. We also have tweaked our Tapping of the Keg Party which starts at 5 p.m. at the Backwater Bar featuring meeting the Oktoberfest Royalty and the crowning of the new Ms. Oktoberfest. We also bring back some of our popular events with Bingo, Euchre, Disc Golf, Beer Stein Holding, Hammershlagen and Keg Toss which are not only fun to compete in but also fun to watch.”
The big parade down Blackhawk Avenue is also a fan favorite each Oktoberfest.
“The large Oktoberfest Parade kicks off on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. at Peoples State Bank and will end at the Fest grounds with the opening ceremony beginning at approximately 11 a.m.,” noted Ulrich.
To gain admission to any of the events patrons will need an Oktoberfest button which will be available at various locations throughout the city or on-site for $3 each or two for $5.
“Delicious German food and beverages will be served throughout the day and you must have an Oktoberfest button at a cost of $3/each or two for $5 to gain admission to all the events and we encourage fest goers to dress up in their favorite dirndls or lederhosen,” said an enthusiastic Ulrich. “Oktoberfest would not be possible without an outstanding group of volunteers and includes 10 major sponsors including: Peoples State Bank, Prairie du Chien Lions Club, Kramer Auction Service, Backwater Bar and Grill, Mississippi Meats, Base Camp Country Real Estate, Tiller Furniture, Potosi Brewery, Prairie du Chien Tourism Council, and the city of Prairie du Chien. Additionally, a record 39 minor sponsors help make this a quality festival!”
More Information
For more information on any of Oktoberfest’s upcoming events please go to https://www.facebook.com/OktoberfestPrairieDuChienWi/ or call 608-326-7207.
“The Prairie du Chien Oktoberfest is a community event like no other,” said Ulrich. “It is the last Oktoberfest held in Wisconsin and caters to all ages and ability levels whose main goal is to celebrate our German heritage and have fun. We hope you join us with your friends and family because you are sure to have a great time!”
