Jackson's Oktoberfest draws tremendous crowd to uptown

Just as everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day, everybody's German during Oktoberfest. Especially, it seems, in Jackson.

Earlier this month, thousands attended the town's third celebration of all things German -- and all things beer.

"Compared to last year, we've got easily double or triple the number of attendees," Bob Schooley told Southeast Missourian reporter Tyler Graef. Schooley is one of the Jackson Oktoberfest's organizers. "We've had some real troupers come out in previous years, but with weather as nice as this, it's been this busy beginning at 10 o'clock this morning."

Free admission also didn't hurt the census on Oct. 10. The turnout was so large, it was hard for Schooley to estimate the number.

But we would be remiss if we didn't acknowledge the other attractions that day. In addition to the array of brews, the event also boasted face-painting, sidewalk chalk, a beanbag toss and a simulator showing people how to escape from fire. And, of course, the traditional Bavarian tunes spun out by folks in lederhosen.

Jackson's Oktoberfest is catching on. The popularity is growing; and it's nice to see everyone gathering in uptown for good times. The organizers should be commended. Jackson's Oktoberfest is becoming a legitimate regional draw.