Frau Kemmling is ready to roll out the barrel(s) at Schoolhaus Brewhaus for their twelfth-annual Oktoberfest. She, along with her hardworking crew, will pack two weeks-worth of traditional German frivolity into one uber family-friendly afternoon. So, pull your dirndl out of hiding, and mark the calendar for Saturday, September 28, from noon-10:00pm, when the seven-acre campus comes alive with oompah bands, bratwurst, stein-hoisting, and much more.

The Jacksonville Heritage Society is the beneficiary for Oktoberfest and reaps the reward from all beer/alcohol sales. Hilary Kemmling, as festival manager, plans a great time for the whole family, including the dog. Jacksonville’s Oktoberfest is the only public celebration of its kind in the area. Kemmling has received positive comments from folks familiar with the real deal. “This is so much like a small community Oktoberfest in Germany,” she says.  

Though there is no entry fee for the event, Rogue Valley Rotary After Five charges $5 for parking with all money going toward their philanthropic club works. Some competitions require a small fee, like the ever-popular and somewhat messy bratwurst-eating contest.

The front parking area transforms into a traditional beer tent with German bands and polka music filling the air. Beer and cider on tap and food trucks stand ready to fill the bill. Too much tuba? No problem. More contemporary music takes over closer to the restaurant in the biergarten, while the front lawn serves as a low-key wine garden. Something for all tastes. 

Kemmling stresses that Oktoberfest is a total family experience, with many fun activities for children. There’s no charge for the favorite Princess Court, complete with Disney princesses played by children and friends of staff members. Held in the “magic forest” near the playground and train, kiddos can enjoy a meet and greet with Cinderella, Snow White, Moana, etc. and have their pictures taken with their favorite. The Storytelling Guild of Jackson County offers story time opportunities, and the famous cow train returns thanks to Cub Scout Pack 17. Rides are offered on a donation basis. Other kid-friendly options include a strolling magician, face painting, a jump house, and don’t forget the Lil’ Smokies eating competition. A pint-sized version of the bratwurst-eating contest, kids have three minutes to do their wurst. This could be seen as a practical way for parents to fill tummies for a mere $5, with a free root beer at the end.

Don’t think that kids have all the fun. Bratwurst-munching, stein-holding, and yodeling competitions for adults become more interesting as the day wears on. Proceeds from the bratwurst-eating competition go the Jacksonville Fire Department, during which they do a “pass the boot” to raise additional funds. The game zone includes ping-pong, corn hole and others. And what would a German festival be without the presence of a few wieners of the canine persuasion? Introducing a new event for this year’s celebration—wiener dog races. 

The most popular adult pastime by far is discovering who will wear the crown of Ms. Oktoberfest 2019. Participants must be 21. There are no gender requirements, but contestants must give themselves a German name, participate in various Server Olympics-style events, answer a pageant question, and rock a dirndl. Talents will be judged in pretzel throwing, beer pouring, and yodeling. It’s a popular event. Kemmling added, “They sign up. We have to limit entries.” The best part may be when the head stein club master asks each contestant a question in German, which they must answer as best they can. “We don’t tell them what it means.” It’s translated for the audience. Ms. Oktoberfest is a fun community builder that engages the audience and draws everyone closer with humor and camaraderie. Plus, it effectively moves the party indoors to the ballroom to minimize noise and keep neighbors happy.

 “Pretty much everything that operates on the property is in essence, a fundraiser. We’ve always operated as a fundraiser for the JHS. Our big picture that we’re trying to do is return the children’s museum to Jacksonville. We’re trying to bring back some of that historical education for kids.” Kemmling says baby steps will get it done.

The Schoolhaus Brewhaus is hoping to move the old train diorama from Art Presence Art Center (once the Children’s Museum) to their property and the Larry Smith room in time for Oktoberfest. “It probably won’t be operational, but people can come see the idea and the direction we’re going.” 

Visit their website at www.jvilleoktoberfest.com for additional scheduling and questions regarding the event. A reminder for teens having traveled in Germany where the drinking age is much younger—we’re still in America where the drinking age remains 21. 

Gather your friends, round up the family, and support local charities with a rousing good time at the Schoolhaus Brewhaus Oktoberfest.

2019 Oktoberfest Schedule of Events

12:00 noon – kick-off with a children’s parade followed by a benediction and traditional keg tapping

Music Schedule
11:00am – Music by the Rogue Valley Sauerkrauts (Main Music Tent)
1:00pm – Acousta Noir (Biergarten)
2:00pm – Kalifornia Krauts (Main Music Tent)
4:00pm – Frankie Hernandez (Biergarten)
7:00pm – Chervona (Ballroom Stage)

Competitions throughout the day:
(times will be posted to jvilleoktoberfest.org)
Wiener Dog Races (new this year!)
Bratwurst Eating Competition
Kids Lil’ Smokies Eating Competition
Stein Holding
Game Zone – with ping pong, corn hole, hammer schlager and more.
Yodeling
Ms. Oktoberfest

Kids activities throughout the day:
(times will be posted to jvilleoktoberfest.org)
Face Painting
Wandering Magician
Story Teller’s Guild
Historic Train Tours
Princess Court
Jump House
Cow Train