Oktoberfest comes to Prairie next week
Tina Ter Horst, Lori Fedders, Ally Schultz, Angie Youngers, Katie Youngers, and Cara Reilly were part of the costume contest at the 2023 Oktoberfest. Schultz took home first place against a tough field. (Not pictured) Lon Haenel won first place in the men’s category and McKenna Haenel won the young adult category. (Steve Van Kooten/Courier Press)
Fall is here, and that means the leaves are changing, the sweatshirts have been brought out of the closet and Halloween decorations have migrated from the back of the garage to the front yard. Along with the slight chill in the air and pumpkin-spiced everything, one of Prairie du Chien’s preeminent events will return for another year of fun and frivolity.
Oktoberfest events will take place between October 16 and 19. Fest Master Dave Wesener and Miss Oktoberfest Carrie Nolan will be on-hand to make sure people have full cups, full bellies and full schedules.
Festivities begin on Wednesday, October 16, with Bingo at the Hoffman Hall from 2–4 p.m. The event is for all ages and offers cash prizes. Bingo sheets are $1 each.The next day, the Prairie du Chien Eagles Club will host and co-sponsor a Lederhosen Games and Music starting at 1 p.m. The Euchre tournament has a $6 entry fee with cash payback to top-place winners. Door prizes, music by the Electric Fire Hydrant Blues Band and Chase the Ace will take place later in the day. The Chase the Ace will have a $1 entry fee and a full payout to top winners. During the event, Oktoberfest buttons will be available for $2.
On Friday, October 18, the Backwater Bar will host the Tapping of the Keg Party from 5–8 p.m. After tapping the keg, live music by the Barefoot Becky Band and Hammerschlagen will be available to patrons. The coronation of the 2024 Fest Master and Miss Oktoberfest will take place during the ceremony. The Tapping of the Keg requires a $4 admission fee. Drink and food specials will be available.
Oktoberfest gets its proper start on Saturday, October 19, with a disc golf tournament on St. Feriole Island sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Rotary Club. The tournament starts at 8:30 a.m. and requires a $10 admission fee.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. The route is similar to last year, with the parade beginning at the People’s State Bank parking lot and going down to the festival grounds on the island. Oktoberfest button design winner Mallory McCullick is expected to make appearances during the event’s parade.
During the day, Oktoberfest will host a multitude of different events, including a corn hole tournament at 1 p.m., a car show beginning at 11 a.m., children’s crafts and activities, bounce houses and various musical acts.
The Oktoberfest Costume Contest will begin in the early afternoon in the event area. Awards will be handed out for the best adult male, adult female and children’s outfits.
The sauerkraut eating contest is a new competition this year. Co-sponsored by Mississippi Meats, adults will go against each other for a $100 cash prize and admittance into the Prairie du Chien Sauerkraut Hall of Fame. The contest will begin at 2:30 p.m.
Staple events like beer-stein holding, root beer-stein holding and the keg toss will return after last year’s competitive field.
Oktoberfest will have a wide menu of food and drinks during the event. For beverages, Potosi beers and root beer will be available. Fest goers can also choose Shihata’s apple cider, Seagrams and Florida Weisse. Hot dogs, brats, Reuben soup, streusel bars, donuts and other German dishes can be purchased to satiate people’s appetites.Patrons can gain access to Oktoberfest festivities by purchasing a $4 button, which are available at Hoffman Hall and several retailers throughout the community. Keep an eye out!
For more information on the Lederhosen Games & Music, call Cheryl DuCharme at 608-379-0307 or Char Roh at 608-306-3949.
For more information, call 608-412-4556, go to the Prairie du Chien Tourism site at www.prairieduchien.org, or call 1-800-732-1673.
