Oktoberfest to take over Jefferson City's Old Munichburg

Kile Brewer/News Tribune

Dancers entertain a crowd Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 at the main stage area of the Oktoberfest celebration in the Old Munichburg neighborhood of Jefferson City.
Kile Brewer/News Tribune Dancers entertain a crowd Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 at the main stage area of the Oktoberfest celebration in the Old Munichburg neighborhood of Jefferson City.

Germany's Oktoberfest opens each year with the words "O'zapft is!" - roughly translated as "The ball's open."

Munich's mayor said these words after tapping the first barrel of beer. Then he raises his glass to the cheering crowd in the tent. In 2016, this tradition will take place for the 183rd time.

Jefferson City started its own Oktoberfest tradition 16 years ago, hosted by the Old Munichburg Association. This year it will take place Friday-Saturday in the south-side area.

"The festival is a fun-filled family event with free admission," event coordinator Cathy Zumwalt said. "We have so many activities going on throughout the two days."

Of course the Muenchberg beer and wine garden at the Prairie Farms Warehouse Lot will be opened until 6 p.m., too. There, the visitors can participate in a wine tasting, eat brats, hot dogs and sauerkraut, or just have a "cool brewski." The additional 72 craft and food vendors on the streets will offer many flavors and will leave no wishes unfulfilled. Meanwhile, on the stage at Washington Street, a classic rock band and a folk and bluegrass band will entertain the audience.

"We expect 8,000 to 10,000 people - depending on the weather that day," Zumwalt said. "For the car enthusiasts the Old Car Club will bring old vintage cars to look at. And they will also have a judging contest of who has the best car."

"I can't wait until this year's Oktoberfest," Mayor Carrie Tergin said. Her part will be to tap the keg with as few strokes as possible, in German tradition. She also looks forward to just have a good time.

"In the last year I loved that it was a perfect fall day with a huge crowd of people, the tastes and smells, people mingling around, children having fun, singing and dancing all day, and especially those wearing Lederhosen."

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