Practically its own season around here, Oktoberfest has returned in full form this year, including the annual multi-day Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest celebration. Held at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds this past weekend – beginning with a kickoff event at the Leinie Lodge on Friday, Sept. 20, and continuing through Sept. 21 – folks came dressed in their traditional best to enjoy a swath of activities, food, and of course, brews.

Family-friendly activities like the Toycen Ford Kid’s Kingdom, face painting and a balloon artist, and even a sauerkraut eating contest were held alongside live music and entertainment across the fairgrounds. Of course, the annual Glockenspiel Show and Stein Holding competition returned, and this year’s Oktoberfest royalty were announced: Festmeister Mike and Festmeisterin Lisa Stoffel.