Wellen Park celebrates the spirit of Oktoberfest

WELLEN PARK — Grab your lederhosen for the inaugural Oktoberfest at Downtown Wellen Park on Sept. 28.

“Oktoberfest celebrations are always energetic, entertaining and engaging,” said Christine Masney, vice president of marketing for Wellen Park in a news release. “In a nutshell, they’re the essence of Wellen Park and our vibrant fun-filled lifestyle.”

The family-friendly festival kicks off at noon with DJ Jessie Rodriguez spinning tunes until 4 p.m. German dancers perform from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. and the DeLeon Oktoberfest Band takes the stage from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The stein-hoisting competition takes place at 3:45 p.m. Sign up from noon-3:30 p.m. at the downstairs outside patio bar at Oak & Stone. There is a $5 entry fee. There will be a women’s competition followed by a men’s competition. The first 10 women and the first 10 men to sign up will compete. The winners of the male and female competitions will then go head-to-head to determine an overall winner. Contestants will be required to sign liability and photo release waivers.

There will be a covered biergarten on the Great Lawn.

The Banyan House will offer traditional German food at their outdoor beer trailer in front of Solis Hall on Wellen Park Blvd. The menu will include jumbo pretzels, beer-boiled brats and more.

Lakeside Bites will offer bratwurst, sauerkraut, pomme frites and kartoffelpuffer (German potato pancakes).

PopDawgs will offer their take on a bratwurst sandwich and German pretzels.

Oak & Stone will offer kraut croquettes, craft beer bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels and an OAKtoberfest pizza.

Villani & Co. will be offering apple streusel.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.