Oktoberfest planned in Jackson

Northern Cape Girardeau County and Perry County are known for their German heritage, but the city of Jackson also once had strong ties to Germany. Many pastors gave sermons in both German and English in the 19th century and early in the 20th.

Frederick Kies' Jackson-based newspaper, the Volksfreund, originally was printed only in German, then in both German and English. Kies switched to English only and changed the name to the Cape County Post after veterans opposed to any use of the German language stormed the newspaper office on July 24, 1918.

Finally, all that is in the past.

Jackson will hold its first Oktoberfest Oct. 26.

The festival will start at 3 p.m. in City Park with a volksmarch, a European tradition of walking from town to town. The walk is noncompetitive, meant to be a way of encouraging physical activity.

Those in the volksmarch will receive a card to be stamped at different stops along the way. Bavarian hats will be available so participants can get in the spirit of the event.

Organizers are uncertain whether the Oktoberfest will result in a lederhosen shortage in the city.

"We have high hopes," said Ken Parrett, executive director of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

The route will go from City Park up Main Street to High Street and to the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railway depot.

The volksmarch is a fund raiser sponsored by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. Participants will pay $5 per individual, $8 per couple or $10 per family. Everyone who participates will receive a lapel pin.

The volksmarch will end up at the parking lot for the St. Louis & Iron Mountain Railway and Sidetracks restaurant, where the Oktoberfest is expected to get under way about 5 p.m. Participation in the volksmarch is not required to take part in Oktoberfest. There is no admission fee for Oktoberfest.

Authentic German bratwurst and German pretzels will be available along with beer that will be served in plastic steins.

The celebration will include wiener-eating contests, dancing and music by a Bavarian accordion band beginning at 7 p.m. A late-night train ride also is planned.

Yana Lacy, who is organizing Oktoberfest on behalf of Ole Bavarian Sausage, says they want it to become a true community event.

"We'd love to get Hermann a run for their money," she said.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182