Family fun, polka music, wiener dog racing, and German-style food headline this event
GALENA , Ill. - Bring the whole family to the 5th annual Galena Oktoberfest, Saturday, October 1, in Galena , Illinois from noon to 11 p.m.! The grassy area by the eastside of the Galena River , recently named Depot Park , will be transformed into a German-themed festival with big white tents and plenty of seating for all. Galena Oktoberfest is hosted by the Galena Lions Club. People of all ages enjoy Galena Oktoberfest, as it features non-stop live music, a bounce house and games, German-style food and beer, wiener dog races, parade, and events, bean bag toss, polka dancing and lessons, pumpkin decorating, a raffle for cash and prizes, and much more.
The day begins at noon with a cannon blast and the ceremonial tapping of the keg, followed by check-in for all wiener dog events. Online pre-registration is encouraged for both the bean bag tournament and the wiener dog activities. Bring your dancing shoes, as this event has a dance floor and back-to-back music by the Jim Busta Band from Spring Grove, Minn., The Goodtime Dutchmen from Kewaskum, Wisc., and local rock favorite Mighty Short Bus from Madison, Wisc. Plus, two sessions of polka dancing will be led by Jennifer Mulcahey, of Ballroom by Jennifer, open to everyone who wants to learn.
Gate tickets to Galena Oktoberfest are $5 for adults and teens, children 12 and under are admitted free. Proceeds from Galena Oktoberfest will go to aid with people's vision and hearing needs, plus various community projects. Depot Park is located near the intersection of US Highway 20 and Park Avenue, by Galena 's Old Train Depot. Plenty of parking will be available and trolley rides will be provided to go back and forth to Main Street for your shopping enjoyment.
For more information about Galena Oktoberfest and the Galena Lions Club, please call (815) 331-0180 and leave a message, follow our Facebook page, or visit www.galenaoktoberfest.com. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling (877) 464-2536. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue ) for on-site assistance and countywide information.
