IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – In Dickinson County, the historic downtown area of Iron Mountain is preparing to host its highly anticipated 9th annual Oktoberfest this weekend. This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with The First National Bank and Trust proudly taking the role of the festival’s signature sponsor. The children in the community, thanks to the generosity of CCI Systems, can enjoy the Kids’ Area completely free of charge, open from 12 noon until 5 P.M. Central Time. The entire festival runs until 10 p.m CST.
Last year’s success saw the Stein-Holding competition captivate the crowd for over half an hour, of four different rounds, and then a finals round. The stein-holding competition will include one female winner, and one male winner, who’ll lay claim to their own “biersteifel”. Organizers are thrilled to bring back the uproarious and free game known as “Hammerslagen.” In this spirited contest, participants go head-to-head to hammer nails into a sturdy wooden beam.
But the highlight of the event, as revealed by Kenzie Williamson, the event coordinator for Iron Mountain’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA), is the eagerly awaited Ms. Oktoberfest competition.
“So our first half is Ms. Oktoberfest, so they will get judged on their attire, they’ll try Oktoberfest beers, and then they also will be trying to say words in German. And whoever does the best is crowned Ms. Oktoberfest.” The prospective queens don’t get a study guide, either. “It is a surprise,” stated Williamsen. “We have words on our side, and they will be spelled out in German, and you have to pronounce them correctly,” she informed.
The crown for the coveted title of Ms. Oktoberfest awaits the contestant who excels in not only their traditional attire and beer-tasting skills but also their mastery of the German language.
“Anybody who comes to Oktoberfest, definitely dress up in your dirndl and your lederhosens, and all your fun Oktoberfest-inspired attire,” encouraged Williamsen. Organizers say the event is open to all, whether they wear German-themed attire or not.
Tickets to the celebration are available for just ten dollars at the gate, while children under 12 have the privilege of free entry. The festivities kick off at noon and continue until 10 P.M. on Saturday, promising an unforgettable experience for all who attend. Don’t miss out on this year’s Oktoberfest, where Iron Mountain’s historic downtown will come alive with music, games, and the vibrant spirit of German culture.
This year’s music line-up promises german-themed Polka by Twin Lake Trio, especially toward the beginning of the day. A younger local band called the Descendants plan to liven up the evening. Food vendors on-location will be Millie’s Market and Curious Pig, with the beer coming from Four Seasons Beer Distributors in Breitung.
For those who have zero polka dancing skills, Williamsen knows, from past experience, that the Polka band is skilled at making sure the crowd has a good time. “There’s always those true head-to-toe Germans who come fully ready, and they’ll teach you,” she added.
For more information about the fesival, visit:
