Oktoberfest returns to Norfolk for eighth consecutive year

Set up is underway for the return of Oktoberfest to Norfolk.

The celebration of German heritage and the harvest has a variety of events to enjoy this weekend.

“That’s why we started this festival. We tried to make it authentic every year by providing German beverages, German food… then of course we have that great atmosphere for families to come and have a good time,” Dahlkoetter said.

Now in its eighth year, Norfolk Area Chamber Event Director Jarad Dahlkoetter says the event has grown tremendously since it began in 2012.

“We are expecting 5,000 people per day. The first year we hosted in 2012 we had about 500 people come, so it has grown immensely over 8 years,” Dahlkoetter said.

The growth of the event means it takes more people to run it. Presenting Sponsor Bank First’s President Clark Froehlich says there are now 77 sponsors involved to keep the event going.

“A lot of businesses, a lot of individuals have helped contribute to it. It has grown every year. Its just a great event for the community. A lot of people get involved - it’s just a good weekend to have a good time for everybody,” Froehlich said. 

The event runs Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Free cab rides will be offered from midnight to 2 a.m. both nights. Those that wear traditional German or Bavarian clothing will get a free drink.

Also, those who don’t want to miss the Huskers take on Illinois are in luck. The game will be broadcast on the event’s Mega Screen.

“It’s a 20 foot LED screen that we bring it. We are also going to playing the volleyball game during the day… We have to support our Huskers at Norfolk Oktoberfest,” Dahlkoetter said. 

Staple events such as the biergarden and winegarden, weiner dog races, live polka music and bucket pong will be returning. There will also be an inflatable midway, the Friday night teen dance and drum line and band competition.  

The event is put on the by the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce. For a full schedule of events visit www.norfolkoktoberfest.com