Time to dust off that lederhosen! The 2018 Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest is right around the corner. This year’s celebration is packed with exciting activities centered on traditional German music, food, and – of course – beer! The event kicks off at the Leinenkugel Brewery with the announcement of the Festmeister and Festmeisterin and continues throughout the weekend at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. Quirky demonstrations and fashion shows are some of the ways adults can keep busy while kids can enjoy face painting and free art activities. Live music will fill the air from beginning to end, giving opportunity to those with a passion for polka. Beer stein holding and sauerkraut eating contests will give competitors a run for their money. Feats of strength including the traditional Hammerschlagen (nail driving) and a new keg rolling competition will offer participants plenty of chances to earn bragging rights for the next year. To help ramp up excitement, the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a medallion scavenger hunt. Once a day, the organization will release a clue to the hidden item’s whereabouts. The person who finds the medallion will be the lucky winner of a $100 Chippewa Chamber Bucks gift certificate. The celebration runs Friday, Sept. 14, through Sunday, Sept. 16, with all profits going back into the community to help support organizations and local projects. For more information, visit oktoberfestcf.com.

Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest • Sept. 14-16 • Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Chippewa Falls • three-day admission $16 • children 12 and younger free • oktoberfestcf.com