The 6th annual Effingham Oktoberfest will take place at Freedom Park in Rincon, on the south side of the Lowe’s store on Ga. 21, on Sept. 25 and Sept. 26. The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce hosts this community event each year as an event the local community can enjoy together, and also as an event that draws visitors from out of the area as well, Chamber Director, Rick Lott said.
“This has become one of those events in Effingham County like the County Fair, where people really look forward to it every year,” Lott said.
Lott said there will be something for everyone this year, from delicious German and festival foods to plenty of activities for the kids. A bull ride has been added this year, which should make things exciting. And for all the children that are not in school or can use a Friday break, the Free Kids Play will be in effect from noon Friday until 3 p.m., which means they can enjoy the kids’ activities for free during that time.
Friday night will kick off with a special opening ceremony at 6 p.m. where local Salzburgers and others of Germanic descent will be recognized. Following that will be the traditional tapping of the ceremonial keg and raising a toast to the Oktoberfest. Then at 6:30 p.m., the Best Whiskers Contest will take place where anyone with a bit of facial hair can enter for free to win cash prizes.
The Battle of the Bands will begin at 7 p.m.. This year’s band line-up features Bad Justice, Georgia Fire Band, Two to Fly, and Mixed Groove.
The winning band will open for Saturday night’s headliner, Josh Sanders and band. Another musical highlight will be a performance Saturday at 5 p.m. by the Effingham Orchestra’s Jazz Ensemble.
Lott said they have over 80 vendors this year, a record for the event. He said the shopping will be great with vendors selling everything from children’s clothing to jams and jellies and everything in between. Parking will be on site and free, although a Boy Scout troop will once again be assisting in safe parking for donations. He also said that depending on the weather, the Chamber hopes to see a crowd of about 5,000 for the two-day event and that they will have an ATM on site to help customers with cash.
For more information, call the Effingham Chamber at 754-3301.