By Fischer Genau DIGITAL MEDIA LEAD
Big Sky’s second annual Oktoberfest will take place Sept. 20-22, celebrating German culture and raising money for youth sports and activities in Big Sky. The event kicks off Friday at 3 p.m. at the Town Center Plaza, and will feature stein-holding competitions, German craft beers and cuisine like bratwurst and pretzels, and a two-mile Lederhosen fun run.
“We are excited to bring a slice of Munich’s Oktoberfest to Big Sky, offering a vibrant community event during a quieter time of the year,” stated Larry Wikan, the event’s co-founder, in a press release.
Last year’s inaugural Big Sky Oktoberfest raised $10,000 for Big Sky Futbol Club, a youth soccer program that will also be the beneficiary of this year’s event. Co-founders Larry and Dana Wikan’s goal is to generate enough funds to support all youth sports and activities in Big Sky and make sure that cost is never a barrier to entry for kids.
“This event not only brings people together but also supports a great cause,” Larry Wikan stated. “We look forward to continuing this tradition for many years.”
German culture will be on full display over the three-day celebration. Friday, Sept. 20 will feature stein-holding competitions and music from local DJ Swamp Moose, Saturday will include a raffle, and Sunday starts with a two-mile fun run around Town Center at 10 a.m.
Munich brewery Paulaner will be serving craft German brews all weekend, and attendees can enjoy other local beers while playing German games like hammerschlagen, which involves hammering nails into a wooden beam, and cornhole.
One-day tickets cost $10 while a three-day pass is $25, and the event is family-friendly and open to all ages.
