Great food at the inaugural Oktoberfest in Norfolk, Nebraska.NORFOLK, Neb (KTIV/US92) -
A two-day celebration that embraces the German heritage of Norfolk, Nebraska is officially underway. The inaugural Oktoberfest opened Friday night with the tapping of the keg ceremony.
According to German tradition, the mayor of the community gets the honors. So, Mayor Sue Fuchtman along with some help from Senator Mike Flood poured and sampled the first stein, full of a special Oktoberfest beer that was brewed just for Norfolk.
Other events Friday night included live music, authentic German food, a bratwurst eating contest and the Ms. Oktoberfest contest.
Organizers say the event was created with the idea of an annual event to celebrate the end of summer, fall harvest and Norfolk's founding roots.
"And just looking at how we can embrace that German heritage we have. And, looking at Oktoberfest this year as perhaps that first step as we work towards our 150th anniversary coming up in 2016. So we look at this as that first step to get us there four years from now," said Dennis Houston, Norfolk Chamber President.
Norfolk's Oktoberfest continues Saturday with another keg tapping ceremony at 2 p.m., inflatables for kids and watching the Husker football game on a big screen.
Also on Saturday, Norfolk native and Olympic pole vaulter Jeremy Scott will be home to help with the celebration. Norfolk Mayor Sue Fuchtman is planning to present him with a key to the city around 2 p.m.
More than 150 volunteers are helping to make Norfolk's Oktoberfest a success.
