Oktoberfest Set For Oct. 14
From an Oreo-stacking contest to showing off Fido in a parade, the 13th annual Oktoberfest will have activities throughout the day to help neighbors enjoy some old-fashioned fun. The event, sponsored by the McDonald County Chamber of Commerce, will take place Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Pineville Square. Proceeds will go to benefit the Chamber, as well as the McDonald County High School Show Choir, Emmert said.
From an Oreo-stacking contest to showing off Fido in a parade, the 13th annual Oktoberfest will have activities throughout the day to help neighbors enjoy some old-fashioned fun.
The event, sponsored by the McDonald County Chamber of Commerce, will take place Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Pineville Square.
The day-long event will feature local businesses and their services, along with a chili cookoff open to the public, bouncy houses, a street dance, live music, a poker run, arts and crafts vendor booths and games, said event coordinator Shelly Emmert.
Proceeds will go to benefit the Chamber, as well as the McDonald County High School Show Choir, Emmert said.
Families and children also can take advantage of a chalk art contest, a costume 5K run, a pet costume contest and a 50/50 pot, with activities for children all day long.
“It will be a day full of fun activities for the entire family and a great way to showcase all that McDonald County has to offer from our amazing artists, craftsmen, musicians, and local businesses,” Emmert said.
The chili cookoff has been a popular draw in years past, garnering large crowds.
“Local business owners such as Mid-Tec, Arvest Bank, Hometown Bank, Crowder College and many others compete against each other to see who has the best chili, spicy and nonspicy,” Emmert said.
Business owners have themes for their booths and a winner for the best-themed booth is awarded, she added.
“However, my favorite is the People’s Choice Award for the best overall chili, where the public votes for their favorite.”
Organizers have pumped up the activity line-up this year, adding the costume 5K run/walk, the pet parade and pet costume contest, and children’s activities including the Oreo-stacking contest and the McDonald County Show Choir’s performance.
The activities are geared for people of all ages and some events focus on involving the entire family.
Throughout the day, folks can enjoy shopping at arts and crafts vendor booths, helping children express their creativity in a sidewalk chalk contest and enjoying live music.
“The McDonald County Chamber of Commerce’s goal for this event is to draw our community together, showcase our local businesses, and to help our students in the McDonald County Show Choirs,” Emmert said. “We want to see our community come and enjoy all that McDonald County has to offer.”
The chili cookoff prep kicks off the morning’s activities, along with an early morning costume 5K run/walk geared for families. At 8 a.m. that day, the whole family can join in the costume 5K run/walk down Big Sugar Creek Road. Cost is $25 per participant.
Medals will be awarded in the following categories: children, ages 5-12 years; young adults, ages 13-18; adults, ages 19-29; adults, age 30-39; adults, ages 40-49; and mature adults, ages 50 and older.
Other morning events include the sidewalk chalk decorating contest, which
starts at 8 a.m.
McDonald County neighbors also can participate in the Poker Run, which will benefit the Christian Motorcycle Association and the McDonald County Show Choir. The first bike out will take place at 10 a.m.
First place will receive $200; second place, $125; and third place, $75. Cost is $25 for the first hand and $10 for a second.
The poker run is open to all vehicles.
The activities continue throughout the day, concluding with a street dance from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Anyone who wants to register for the 5K costume run/walk, chili cookoff, motorcycle poker run, the sidewalk chalk art competition, pet parade/pet costume contest, or sign up as a vendor can find registration forms at the McDonald County Telephone Office, 7th and Main in Pineville.
For additional information about Oktoberfest, contact Emmert at semmert@mcdonaldco.k12.mo.us.