IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and members of the First National Bank and Trust, are gearing up for the 10th annual Oktoberfest celebration, and this year promises to be a memorable milestone event. Katherine Mentel, the new Event Coordinator for the DDA, shared exciting details about what attendees can expect when the festival takes over the Downtown Plaza by the stage area on Saturday, September 28th, from noon until 10 p.m.
“We are celebrating its 10th anniversary, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back downtown,” Mentel said. The First National Bank and Trust returns as the event’s signature sponsor, with the support of other local sponsors, including the Iron Mountain Tourism Association, 41 Lumber, Northern Interstate Bank, Spiro’s Downtown Restaurant, Frog Country, and Danielson’s Insurance.
This year’s Oktoberfest will once again feature 3 live musical performances. “We have 3 live entertainers, including The Daydreamers, Backstage Pass, and Six Guns Loaded,” Mentel shared. Music will set the tone for a full day of entertainment, from traditional polka to more modern hits, catering to a variety of tastes.
For families, the Kids Area will be open from noon – 5 p.m., offering free admission. “We’re bringing back the children’s area, and kids 12 & under can enjoy it for free,” Mentel added. Adults can enjoy the festival for just $10, with food and beverage vendors returning as well. “Our food vendors this year include Millie’s Market and Curious Pig, and we’ll have beer, wine, soda, and water for everyone,” she said.
Among the games returning are two crowd favorites—the stein-holding competition and Hammerschlagen. “We have the popular men’s and women’s stein-holding competition, where the winners will get their own boot,” Mentel explained, referring to the iconic “biersteifel” awarded to those with the best endurance. Hammerschlagen, a nail-driving competition, will also be back for more spirited fun.
With a decade of festivities to celebrate, this year’s Oktoberfest is expected to draw large crowds once again, bringing the community together for a celebration of culture, music, and tradition. Don your dirndls and lederhosen, grab a stein, and head downtown for Iron Mountain’s biggest Oktoberfest yet.
Oktoberfest is still in need of some volunteers. To sign up, visit:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNngY1oLLiGT1Cbc9aKN07OJFJibbO_rRM9s6lz6oBk-PnVg/viewform
*Pictured left to right: Jean O’Dette, Russ Kassin, Matt Lutz, Cindy Gustafson, & Dale Cook of First National Bank and Trust, Right, Katherine Mentel, Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority’s new Event Coordinator. ,
