Grab your stein, put on your best German-inspired outfit, and get ready for an afternoon of food, fun, music, art and friendly competition when Oktoberfest returns to the Grantsville Arts & Entertainment District on Saturday, September 19, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The celebration will take place at the Grantsville Town Park and is hosted this year by the Grantsville Lions Club and the Grantsville Arts & Entertainment District.
Designed as a festive community gathering for all ages, Oktoberfest brings a taste of German tradition to the heart of Grantsville while highlighting local businesses, breweries, food vendors, artists and artisans, and community organizations.
At the center of the celebration will be the Oktoberfest Biergarten, where guests 21 and older can enjoy a selection of local and traditional German beers. Local breweries Whitehorse, Locust Post and Cushwa will be on hand, while the Grantsville Lions Club will also offer German beer selections. For those who prefer wine, German varieties including Riesling and Dornfelder will be available.
Of course, no Oktoberfest would be complete without plenty of delicious food. Deep Creek Pretzels will be serving up their popular soft pretzels, perfect for pairing with a cold beer, while Cafe Oasis will offer German-inspired food to round out the traditional Oktoberfest experience.
There will also be plenty happening for younger festival-goers. Children can try their hand at the event’s famous scarecrow-making station, creating their own colorful fall character to take home. Apple bobbing will add another classic autumn activity to the day’s festivities.
Adults can join in the fun with a lineup of traditional German games and competitions. Test your strength and technique with the keg toss, try your hand at the hammer game, or put your knowledge of all things German to the test during German trivia. The annual costume contest will give participants a chance to show off their most creative German or Oktoberfest-inspired attire.
For those looking for a true test of strength, the stein hoist will challenge participants to see who can hold a full beer stein at arm’s length the longest. Whether competing for bragging rights or simply cheering on friends and neighbors, the games are sure to bring plenty of laughter and excitement to the afternoon.
“The event is an opportunity to bring residents and visitors together while celebrating the community spirit that makes Grantsville special,” says Grantsville A&E District Coordinator, Maureen Sheaffer. “The Grantsville Arts & Entertainment District continues to create events that encourage people to spend time downtown, support local businesses and experience the arts, culture and heritage of our community.”
The partnership between the Grantsville Lions Club and Grantsville A&E District also reflects the strong volunteer spirit that helps make community events throughout the area possible.
With activities for children, German food and beverages, local breweries, games and plenty of opportunities to gather with friends and neighbors, this year’s Oktoberfest promises something for everyone.
So mark your calendar for Saturday, September 19, and make plans to head to Grantsville Town Park from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Prost! We’ll see you in the Grantsville Arts & Entertainment District!
Follow the Grantsville A&E District for more information online at www.grantsvilleaedistrict.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GrantsvilleAEDistrict.
Written by Garrett County Arts Council.