Hays Oktoberfest to be held September 28 at Municipal Park in Downtown Hays

The Volga German Society of Ellis County and Rush County along with the Sunflower Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, and the Ellis County Historical Society welcome everyone to the 46th annual Hays Oktoberfest in Municipal Park. The event begins at 7:00 a.m. with the German Market and breakfast sold by vendors starting at 8:00 a.m. All other booths open at 9:00 a.m. The opening Ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. and concludes with the tapping of the keg at 11:30 a.m. by Mayor James Meier.

The new German Market will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the grass lot just south of North Central Technical College (NCK Tech) on Main Street, across the street from Municipal Park, where the main Oktoberfest event is held. Free coffee will be provided and NCK Tech will have hot breakfast items for sale. The German Market will be selling items such as baked goods, noodles, jams, crafts, and other traditional food and craft items. Those interested in selling items at the German Market can contact organizers on haysoktoberfest.com, email [email protected], or call 785-623-1240.

Hays Oktoberfest promotes the rich heritage of the Volga German and Bukovina Germans who settled in Ellis County, Kansas. It also celebrates the history of early settlers in Ellis County, which was created in 1867. The event is held on Fort Hays State University Homecoming weekend. The booths at the Hays Oktoberfest all support non-for-profit organizations.

Entertainment this year will feature polka music of the Joe Dolezal Band from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and the Ron Werth Band from 2:00 p.m. to close. The Hays Community Theater will provide historical reenactors and skits throughout the day.

Booths will feature food, crafts, and goods for purchase. The NCK Tech Culinary Arts will host the drive. Defiance, Budweiser, and Coors beer will be back again. For those wishing to participate in drinking a $2 band fee is required.

This is the seventh year the Volga German Society of Ellis and Rush County, the Sunflower Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, and the Ellis County Historical Society have partnered together in celebrating a full day of Heritage and History in Ellis County. The three organizations along with the Oktoberfest Committee are made up of community members who have continuously worked to improve the Oktoberfest in Hays and promote the heritage and history of Ellis County.

Follow “Hays Oktoberfest” on Facebook and visit the website at haysoktoberfest.com.

For more information about Hays Oktoberfest, email [email protected].

— Hays CVB