It's that time of year. The Old Munichburg Association is preparing to once again host Jefferson City's annual Oktoberfest, which celebrates the south side's German heritage.
The fall festival Saturday is celebrating its 19th year, featuring a variety of vendors and activities along three south-side streets - Broadway, Dunklin and Washington. The festival runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday.
Visitors will be able to shop from more than 70 vendors, including crafts and food, visit the Muenchberg Beer and Wine Garden, and watch entertainment on the main stage on Washington Street.
The main stage will host events including a keg-tapping ceremony at 10 a.m., musical performances and a clogging performance.
Event coordinator Alison Martin said they're bringing back an event they started last year that turned out to be a big hit - the stein-holding competition will be held on the main stage at 3 p.m.
Divided into a men's and women's contest, competitors will see who can manage to hold a large beer stein - full of water, not beer - out away from their body for the longest amount of time. Only 10 people will be included in each group, and sign-up sheets will be available starting at 10 a.m. at the Old Munichburg Association booth near the stage.
The winners will take home an official Oktoberfest beer stein.
The corner of Broadway and West Dunklin streets will be taken over by the Mid-Mo Old Car Club's annual round-up and show, which will celebrate its 50th year.
"The public will see cars at this show that they haven't seen - some of the cars, it'll be the first show they've been to," said club member Donald Weber, who also is celebrating his 50th year as part of the club.
Cars will be sorted into 17 classes, primarily sorted by model year. There are a couple categories specifically for trucks, another for street rods, one for Pony cars like Mustangs and Firebirds, one for cars under restoration, a young adult class, and one for "best German car."
Interested car lovers can register 8-10 a.m. for $20 per vehicle. The first 100 entries will get an anniversary tumbler and other door prizes. Judging starts at 10:30 a.m.
Trophies will go to the top three places in each class, plus a People's Choice, Roughest Vehicle, Diamond in the Rough and Best of Show.
Another returning tradition for four-legged attendees is the Dachshund Derby and Costume Contest. The contest begins at 1 p.m., with the race to follow. Registration starts at 11 a.m., up until the contest begins. The Dachshund Derby area will be located between West Dunklin Street and Tanner Way Alley along Broadway Street.
Near the Dachshund Derby will be Kids Korner, with child-friendly activities and vendors, in the Hawthorn Bank parking lot.
Kids Korner will include crafts, face painting, a bounce house, a balloon artist and photo booth. Pony rides will also be available.
Festival attendees may have the chance to earn some cash at the event. StormPro will set up a wind tunnel machine that will have cash flying around. Ticket proceeds from the machine will go back to the Old Munichburg Association.
Oktoberfest as a whole serves as a fundraiser for the Old Munichburg Association, which is dedicated to revitalizing Jefferson City's historic south side.
In conjunction with the festival, the Southside Market will take place the same day in the 100 block of East Dunklin Street. The market, which is in its second year, has been running the fourth Saturday of each month since April.
The Southside Market and OMA have partnered with Building Community Bridges to help the nonprofit collect relief supplies for Jefferson City residents affected by the May 22 tornado and spring flooding.
Martin said the Old Munichburg neighborhood was fortunate enough not to receive much tornado damage. However, devastating damage was done to nearby neighbors, and Old Munichburg did experience heavy flooding.
Another German-inspired event will be held the night before Oktoberfest at the Central United Church of Christ at 118 W. Ashley St.
The church is hosting its annual German dinner, with a menu of grilled sausage, German potato salad, sauerkraut, cole slaw and green beans, plus hot dogs and chips. A variety of pie will be served after dinner, too.
The dinner costs $12 for adults and $5 for children younger than 10. Live music will be provided by Johnny's Friends. The event runs 4:30-7 p.m.