Jackson's growing Oktoberfest will toast another edition Oct. 8

Area residents have a week and a half to memorize the traditional German toast — “Prost!” — in advance of the annual Uptown Jackson Oktoberfest on Oct. 8.

Event organizers have a bit more on their to-do lists.

“Between getting our vendors lined up and getting our bands lined up and getting our beers lined up and getting our food lined up, there’s a lot to be done,” said Janey Foust, co-owner of Cobblestone Corner in uptown Jackson and volunteer organizer for Oktoberfest.

They’re not behind schedule, she said, but every year the event becomes a larger, more popular production.

“This is our fourth year doing this, and I’ve been involved all four years.” she said. “Last year, we had a crowd of 8,000 people, and we do believe it’s going to be bigger this year.”

In addition to craft-beer offerings and a wine garden, vendors will cook German food.

“Bratwurst-schnitzel-something-or-others and things I can’t even pronounce,” Foust said, adding although the theme is German, some vendors tend to get creative.

“Bratwurst pizza, for example,” she said.

Sauerkraut balls count, too, as well as anything that fits between a pretzel bun.

Oktoberfest will offer activities for all ages, Foust said.

“This is a very, very family-friendly, kid-friendly event, with the doughnut-eating contest being the biggest hit,” she said.

There also will be sidewalk painting and the popular pet parade.

Most of the children’s activities are scheduled to take place between the festival’s opening at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Pat Schwent and her German Brass Band, duo Makenna and Brock and the band Outside the Lines will provide music for the festival.

The streets will be filled with craft vendors selling everything from original art to soaps to coffees.

“It’s a heck of an event,” Foust said.

Above all, it’s the perfect reason to break out those lederhosen you’ve been waiting to show off.

“We have a lot of people who do [dress up in traditional German garb],” she said. “People really do get into it.”

There is no admission charge. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 8.

Many uptown Jackson businesses will be open and offer special deals to festival-goers, Foust said.

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3627