10th Oktoberfest celebration returns to Old Settlers Park Saturday

PADDOCK LAKE — The 10th annual Old Settlers Oktoberfest will be held noon to 8 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 11) at Old Settlers Park, 24100 75th St.

The festivities will include authentic German food and beverages, live music and dancing, a classic car show, kids’ games and activities, the Dachshund Dash, a stein-hoisting competition and raffles. Admission and parking are free.

“This is always a fun celebration of German culture and the beginning of fall in our county, and I’m excited to see it return this year,” County Executive Jim Kreuser said of the festivities, which are sponsored by Kreuser, Kenosha County Parks and the nonprofit Old Settlers Oktoberfest organization.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the eventual construction of a permanent band shelter in Old Settlers Park. To date, the Oktoberfest group has raised more than $130,000 of its $150,000 goal.

“Old Settlers Oktoberfest has become a wonderful tradition in our community,” said Rebecca Lancour, president of the Old Settlers Oktoberfest organization. “It’s a great day to simply take a break and spend quality time with your family, friends and neighbors.”

Among the most popular attractions since the event began is the Dachshund Dash, in which dachshunds and dachshund mixes vie for the honors of Top Dog and Hot Dog. Immediately following the Dachshund Dash, there will be an Open Class/All Breed Dog Dash. All dogs are welcome to participate in the open-class event.

The daylong festivities will kick off officially at noon, when Salem Lakes Fire and Rescue Chief James Lejcar will tap the ceremonial keg of beer.

Event Schedule:

• 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. — Classic car show
• 11:45 a.m. — 9-11 Memorial Ceremony followed by the singing of National Anthem by 11-year-old Avery Meachum
• Noon- 4 p.m. — Beer, wine, food and merchandise tents open; live music by the Ed Wagner’s Brass Band
• Noon-4 p.m. — Alphorn Players
• Noon-5 p.m. — Kids’ games presented by A Place to Grow, Play & Education Center, face painting by Pinot’s Palette of Pleasant Prairie, and hair braiding by Salon Distinction
• 1 p.m. — Dachshund Dash and All-Breed Dog Dash (registration begins at noon). Stop by after the race to have your photo taken by Westosha Lakes Church
• 2, 3, 5 and 6 p.m. — Performances by the D’Oberlanders Dance Crew
• 3-5 p.m. — Performance by magician “Amazing Bruce” courtesy of Always Remember That Antiques
• 4-8 p.m. — Performance by Alpine Thunder
• 5:30 p.m. — The 75th Street Inn Stein-hoisting competition
• 7 p.m. — Raffle drawing
• Note: Other attractions and activities throughout the day will include hammerschlagen, chainsaw carving and more.