JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - A first of its kind event will find its way to the heart of Junction City on October 8-9th. Celebrating the traditional folk festival of Oktoberfest, people of all ages will be able to enjoy drinks, live music, and a plethora of activities, thanks to one local with a knack for a good time.
"We were just out with some friends and thought about having an Oktoberfest," said Justin Hoover, a Physical Therapist and Junction City resident. "I remembered going to some of the Oktoberfests that the Military Affairs used to have and really enjoyed those."
Hoover said the original idea was for the event to be a small-scale gathering in his backyard, but now, he still has the "backyard," mindset, albeit on a much larger scale.
Hoover has worked hand in hand with Junction City Main Street to make the event a citywide celebration. It will include a volksmarch, masskrugstemmen, yodeling contest, schutzenfest, a best dressed competition, and many other events for adults and children alike.
"You've got to think of it as something that would happen in your backyard, but just on a bigger scale." said Hoover. "This is a family event, so you bring your kids along with you and enjoy in all the activities."
For the adults, local beers will be available to sample from KC Bier Co., as well as the 15-24 Brew House from Clay Center. Adults 21+ will have the option to purchase steins in advance to earn a free drink at the event ahead of time. Half liter steins are $15, while full liter glasses are $20.
Admission to the event will be $5 per day over the course of the Friday-Saturday festivities; however, each admission comes with a voucher towards a drink or food item as well.
More information and details about Junction City Oktoberfest are still yet to come, but for now, you can visit JunctionCityOktoberfest.com for more information.
Listen to the full interview below: