Grin and beer it

It’s Oktoberfest time again in Old Town

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It’s not often one can wear lederhosen in Lansing without eliciting stares from curious passerby.

However, this weekend marks the magicaltime of year when leather shorts and suspenders are consideredperfectly acceptable evening wear: That’s right, Oktoberfest is onceagain upon us.

The sixth annual Old Town Oktoberfest isbeing held Friday and Saturday at Burchard Park, at the corner ofTurner Street and Grand River Avenue, in Lansing.  Itis the only German-themed Oktoberfest event in mid-Michigan andfeatures authentic German food, live music, dancing and, of course,plenty of beer.

“The north Lansing community was, at onepoint, a predominantly German community, so it’s a great way tocelebrate north Lansing’s history,” said Brittney Hoszkiw, executivedirector of the Old Town Commercial Association, who is organizing theevent.

The festival kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday,with a performance by Linda Lee and Wild Bill. Lee, a singer andaccordionist, is the house entertainment for The Bavarian Inn inFrankenmuth, and Wild Bill is the fiddler in her house band. Followingthe performance, polka and dance band the Hy-Notes takes the stage. 

There will also be a kids’ tent withauthentic, educational German activities organized by the MichiganState University German Club and a German instrument petting zoo. 

The celebration continues Saturday,starting at 2 p.m. with a performance by German-themed band The HappyWonderers. At 5:45 p.m., the Zakopane Polish Dancers perform and givefree dance lessons to festival attendees. They are followed by ThePolish Muslims, a Hamtramck-based polka-rock band.

In addition to musical performances,attendees also have their pick of German food and beer to enjoy. Foodis being provided by Lansing restaurant Restaurant Mediteran and theGrand Grillin’ food cart, which is known for its Vicki Chicken. Thereis also an extensive drink selection, which includes severalOktoberfest selections as well as familiar favorites like Samuel Adams.Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale and hard cider from Uncle John’s Cider Mill willalso be available, as well as alcohol-free drink options.

Proceeds from Oktoberfest benefit theOTCA, which works to revitalize the Old Town neighborhood of Lansing.The organization focuses on business recruitment, positive marketingand neighborhood beautification in Old Town, Hoszkiw said.

Attendees can park at the Eyde Buildingon Hagadorn Road in East Lansing and take a free shuttle to thefestival. Parking is also available on the streets of Old Town andsurrounding areas. Handicap parking is available at the site of thefestival. There will also be free valet parking for bikes.


Oktoberfest

Burchard Park, at the corner of Turner Street and Grand River Avenue, in Lansing

6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7; 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8

$13 in advance; $17 at the door for adults, $13 for seniors before 4 p.m. Saturday

Ticket price includes two-day admission to the festival, three food and drink tickets and a souvenir beer mug. (517) 485-4283

oldtownoktoberfest.com

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