Oktoberfest Findlay is back

FINDLAY — Dust off your lederhosen and dirndl as you twirl into Oktoberfest Findlay on Saturday. The festival returns to downtown for its 11th annual celebration of German heritage and to honor Findlay's community of German-American culture. Presented by WesBanco, the family-friendly event will be held from 2-10:30 p.m. South Main Street from West Main Cross to Hardin streets will be transformed into a hub of German music, polka dancing, hands-on children's activities, German-inspired food and contests. There will also be more than 50 varieties of German imports, local craft beers, wines, seltzers plus domestic options available throughout the day. The party kicks off with the high-energy sounds of Cleveland's Deutscher Musik Verein (DMV), a powerful ensemble of 25-plus musicians who will set the perfect festive tone on the main stage, sponsored by LaRiche Chevrolet Cadillac. The legendary Fred Ziwich & His International Sound Machine returns at 6:30 p.m. Ziwich is a true polka icon and International Polka Music Hall of Fame inductee. From 2-7 p.m., families can explore the Kinderplatz! Kid's Zone in Dorney Plaza, where little ones can dive into German-inspired crafts and games, thanks to support from Superior Trim. Watch the Ohio State University game at 3:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Watch Party, sponsored by Eastman & Smith with giveaways by Tabler Insurance. The opening ceremony and official tapping of the firkin will be held at 4 p.m. For attendees who are feeling competitive, contests of skills and strength are scheduled from 5-9 p.m. at the festival's southend, sponsored by Werk-Brau. Sign up for classic Oktoberfest contests including stein holding, an obstacle relay and a bratwurst-eating competition. Registration starts at 3 p.m. near the contest stage. Admission is $8 for guests 21 and over, and $4 for those 20 and under, For the full schedule and all the details, visit www.OktoberfestFindlay.com. Proceeds from Oktoberfest Findlay benefit the Hancock Historical Museum, a privately funded 501c3 organization tasked with preserving the rich heritage of Hancock County. The museum provides programming for more than 25,000 people annually, including more than 8,000 Hancock County schoolchildren. For more information, visit OktoberfestFindlay.com or call the museum at 419-423-4433.