FOND DU LAC – From the biergartens of Bavaria to the Prayer Garden of Holy Family, Oktoberfest will return to area on Saturday, September 28, to bring fun, German fare, and
fall activities for all to enjoy. Since 2021, Holy Family Catholic Community has offered its Oktoberfest with the goal of providing a celebration to entertain people of all ages. Each year, the Holy Family Prayer Garden takes on the trappings of fall with pumpkins and hay bales, while featuring the staples of the traditional Oktoberfest celebration: German fare like bratwurst and potato salad, Oktoberfest beer, and folk music from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland as performed by the renowned band, Dorf Kapelle.
However, Holy Family adds its own spin to the classic festival. For those looking to expand their palate beyond Germany, this year’s menu will include delicious Hispanic food, like
nachos and corn cocktails, as well as soup from Mr. and Mrs. Catering, and a range of desserts. As they eat, attendees will enjoy a variety of entertainment like an inflatable
obstacle course, balloon animals, facepainting, cotton candy, the Cristo Rey Ranch petting zoo, visits by a local law enforcement patrol vehicles, and cotton candy. New this year will be horse-drawn wagon rides around the church grounds, and inflatable axe throwing! Those looking for an opportunity to test their luck can take their chances on beautiful gift baskets donated from local businesses and residents in the crowd-favorite Oktoberfest Basket Raffle. In Holy Family Hall, people will find unique gifts and treasures at the Makers Market, where local artisans will sell their creations. “In Wisconsin, we are blessed to have such a beautiful fall season, and our Oktoberfest is a celebration of all that offers—cider, wagon rides, and opportunities for family, friends, and our community members to be together and have fun,” Very Rev. Ryan J Pruess, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Community, said. Oktoberfest will begin at 4:00 pm at Holy Family Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, with a special Mass offering Readings and music in both English and German. Following the Mass, the festival will kick off in the Prayer Garden, or in the event of rain, in Holy Family Hall. Admission is free, and food, drinks, and tickets for raffles will be available for purchase. Parking will be available in the church’s west lot, with disabled parking available on the north side as well. “Everyone is welcome at our Oktoberfest. From shoppers to polka lovers to kids with cotton candy cravings, we have something for everyone,” Pruess said.
