Oktoberfest returns with classic fare, new competitions

About 3,000 Germanophiles and library supporters are expected to attend this year's Oktoberfest on Saturday.

The festival, sponsored by The Carson City Library Foundation, will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pony Express Pavilion in Mills Park.

"It takes a year's worth of planning," said Andi Moore, the library's community relations coordinator, about the work done by volunteers and employees to present the yearly event that highlights beer, brats and bouncy group dancing.

Fare will include grilled sausages and sauerkraut, items "people who come to Oktoberfest truly expect to eat," Moore said.

It's the foundation's largest fundraiser for the library, which uses proceeds to enhance operations. Admittance to the event is free.

There will be a drawing for a trip for two to NASCAR in Las Vegas, including two round-trip airline tickets and a three-night stay at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino.

Only 1,000 tickets for the prize are being sold, for $10 each, and are available at local Les Schwab Tire Centers, and the Browser's Corner at the library. Tickets will be sold at the event if any are left.

Stein-holding and ice cream-eating contests will be first-time competitions.

The stein-holding contest is different from the stein-carrying events at many Oktoberfests around the world. People will hold steins filled with water until their arms give out. The last person with their stein held outward will be declared the winner, and receive an official Oktoberfest stein from Munich, Germany - home of the world's original beer bust.

Why water in the steins? Spillage. Each stein weighs about eight pounds.

"We don't want to waste the beer," said Pat Glick, president of the foundation.

And the Ice-cream eating contest will test participants' speed-snacking skills. Competitors will gulp down as much as they can within 10 minutes. The dessert will be frozen solid and eaters permitted to use only one hand to make the binge more difficult, Glick said.

Other events scheduled include live Polka music, a silent auction, a book sale by Friends of the Library, and an assortment of merchants offering craft items. And the favorite fowl of Oktoberfest will lead revelers in a chicken dance.

Call 887-2244 for details.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

If you go

What: Oktoberfest

When: Saturday (Oct. 7) 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Pony Express Pavilion, Mills Park

Information: 887-2244