Oktoberfest returns to Three Lakes

The ninth annual Oktoberfest returns this Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Three Lakes. The free, family-friendly event will feature German food, beer, music, games, and vendors.

Food options will include a pig roast by Hollow Tree Hospitality on Superior Street, benefiting the Three Lakes High School Choir, as well as brats and hot dogs served by Three Lakes Trails. The Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau will offer beer and pretzels, along with Oktoberfest merchandise, including this year’s collectible shirt and commemorative pin.

The Oktoberfest Market will feature vendors such as Northwoods Custom Woodworks, A Beautiful Calling: Ethical Boutique, Shades of Blu Swimwear and Resortwear, Johanna B Ceramics, and more. Shoppers will also find baked goods, handmade items, and live demonstrations. Downtown businesses plan to welcome visitors throughout the day.

Entertainment will begin at 11 a.m. with polka music from the Jim Pekol Band. The Pommersche Danz Gruppe from Wausau will return to perform German folk dances in traditional costume.

Games and contests will add to the festivities. The Steady Stein competition, hosted by Downtown Three Lakes, Inc., challenges contestants to hold two full steins at arm’s length without spilling. Entry is $5, with prizes awarded.

A hidden pickle hunt inside downtown businesses will also give participants the chance to win prizes, and additional activities will be announced.

Oktoberfest will be held rain or shine. The event is organized by the Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau with support from Zastrow Beer and Point Brewery, along with the Three Lakes offices of Redman Realty and Forward Bank.

More information is available at facebook.com/oktoberfestthreelakes.

Upcoming fall festivities

As autumn arrives in the North Woods, more communities are marking the season with food, music, and family fun. Here’s what’s on the calendar:

Sept. 20, Harvest Festival — 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Koller Park, Manitowish Waters. The Manitowish Waters Harvest Festival is an outdoor event showcasing a variety of local vendors, food, and drinks as a kick-off to the fall season and the start of the cranberry harvest in the area. Phone: 715-543-8488.

Sept. 26-28, Colorama Weekend — Sayner. Enjoy fall festivities at the downtown shops Friday through Sunday, and seasonal, family-friendly activities on Sunday. Also on Sunday, The Friends of the Plum Lake Library will host a Colorama Craft Show and Bake Sale at the Sayner Community Building from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Phone: 715-204-9336.

Sept. 27, Beef-a-Rama — 9 a.m.-7 p.m., downtown Minocqua. The 60th annual Beef-a-Rama will feature beef sandwiches, a beef-eating contest, live music, a Cow Pie Plop contest, kids’ activities, beer gardens, and more. There’s also a Rump Roast Run and the Prime Choice Craft Show at Torpy Park, with more than 75 exhibitors offering a wide variety of unique handcrafted items. Phone: 715-356-5266.

Sept. 27, Fall Fest — 9 a.m.-6 p.m., St. Germain Community Center. The St. Germain ATV Club hosts their annual Fall Fest, including a scavenger hunt, skills games, raffles, and a party at Murmuring Waters. Phone: 623-337-3307.