With the return of crisp cool mornings and the change of the trees, we are reminded that fall is right around the corner. There is no greater harbinger of the harvest season than the annual Oktoberfest at the Bigham Knoll campus. Celebrating its 9th year, Oktoberfest has become a community festival beseeching us to enjoy the dying days of summer amongst our neighbors, family and friends. A seasonal standard of music, dancing, and beer, the tradition of Oktoberfest harkens back to the 1810 royal Bavarian wedding celebration of King Ludwig to Princess Therese. Held in Munich the last two weeks of September every year, it’s one of the most-mimicked cultural events held in almost every country throughout the world to this day. In recognition of Jacksonville’s German Heritage, the Jacksonville Oktoberfest is a reminder of the many contributions made to the area by the early German pioneers.
Hosted by the Jacksonville Heritage Society, Oktoberfest has become the primary fundraiser committed to re-opening the Jacksonville Children’s Museum. Shuttering its doors in 2008 with the departure of the Southern Oregon Historical Society from Jacksonville, the museum was a beloved institution dedicated to engaging children with the pioneer history of Southern Oregon. A destination for locals and visitors alike, both the History Museum and Children’s Museum covered a breadth of topics from the photography of Peter Britt to the antics and career of Pinot Colvig, better known as Bozo the Clown.
This year’s Oktoberfest, to be held on September 23-25th, will continue all the traditional fun of years past with added games, activities and events to enhance the experience for all. Friday night features the 2nd Annual Oktoberfest games, live music all night and a movie in the biergarten. Saturday kicks-off everyone’s favorite Oktoberfest trappings, with a ceremonial parade for the kids, keg-tapping, bratwurst eating competitions benefiting the Jacksonville Fire Department, as well as the 3rd-Annual Ms. Oktoberfest pageant. Then on Sunday, the festivities continue with a family-focused schedule. There will be a wandering magician, face painting and the always-popular Princess Court as well as a $5.00 growler fill after 4:00pm on any remaining kegs of beer.
This year, the music will again feature Alpen Vagabund on the stage direct from Europe as well as the Kalifornia Krauts making their Oktoberfest debut. Friday night music steps outside of the box with dubstep band Medium Troy from Eugene. Last but not least, the Rogue Valley’s very own Sauerkrauts will be delighting the crowd throughout the weekend, as well.
So grab a stein and your dancing shoes and join the party!
For more information please visit www.jvilleoktoberfest.org or call 541-899-1000.