Oktoberfest kicks off Sept. 26
<p>Patrick Cote/Daily Inter Lake Nicole Holdener struggles to keep up her glass during the ladies stein-holding competition Thursday night during Oktoberfest at Depot Park in Whitefish. Holdener placed second in her heat. Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012 in Whitefish, Montana.</p>
When the weather turns cool and the leaves start to turn each September, it's time to dust off your lederhosen, grab your best beer stein and break out your dancing shoes — it’s Oktoberfest time in Whitefish.
The fourth annual Great Northwest Oktoberfest takes place Sept. 26 through 28 and Oct. 3 through 5 in Depot Park. The event brings the best of Old Germany and the Wild West together for six days of Bavarian food, drink, music dancing and more.
This year’s live music lineup includes Canadian polka band the Western Senators, the Bavarian Echoes and Europa. Events include stein-holding, log-sawing and keg-hurling contests, and the Whitefish Waitress Races.
The Craggy Range will serve up German bratwurst, smoked brats, sauerkraut and more, and Cafe Max will offer a variety of traditional German soups. Traditional German beers, local microbrews and wine will be available for purchase as well.
Admission is $4 for adults; youths under 12 accompanied by adults get in for free.
For more information, call the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce at 862-3501. Additional information, including a full schedule of events, is available at www.whitefishoktoberfest.com.