Oktoberfest in Owosso, held annually the second weekend in October, celebrates the spirit of friendship and honors Shiawassee County’s heritage and agricultural traditions, and this year will include activities Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the weekend; it was a single day last year.
The 2015 event will feature the international touring polka band Lenny Gomulka and the Chicago Push from Maryland on Saturday, Oct. 10. Also that day, the One More Shot polka band from the Bay Area will play in the Biergarten Tent on Exchange in downtown Owosso. A modern country music band (soon to be announced) will play in the Biergarten on Friday evening.
New in 2015 will be “The Beer Run” on Friday, Oct. 9. The 5K walk/run will start on Water Street near the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce building. Awards will be given to the overall top male and female. Medals to top three places in each age group, which are: 14 and younger, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60 and over. With each paid registration, participant receives: Race day T-shirt, Free admission into the Oktoberfest Beer Tent and one free Beer Ticket (participants over the age of 21). Sign-ups are at www.runsignup.com.
“Weekend activities will include live music, craft beer, great local food, a cross-fit competition, bed races, polka lessons, beer stein endurance contest and the Owosso Mayor’s ceremonial tapping of the keg at high noon on Saturday,” said Sue Kadlek of the chamber. “Events for children include pumpkin-bowling, bounce houses, face painting and more. Join us! For a detailed schedule of events, visit www.shiawasseechamber.org.”
