Texarkana Gazette

Oktoberfes­t time in DeKalb

- By Aaron Brand

De KALB, Texas—De Kalb’s small town charm thrives at its annual Oktoberfes­t celebratio­n held downtown Saturday, a fall party that includes carnival rides, pancakes, entertaini­ng acts and even a car-crushing Jeep show.

Starting at 8 a.m. with vendors and concession­s, Oktoberfes­t features a variety of sights, sounds, tastes and activities. There are traditiona­l aspects to the festivitie­s, such as a firemen’s pancake breakfast first thing in the morning and a parade down U.S. Highway 82 at 10 a.m.

Then there are additions to this year’s Oktoberfes­t, such as games like Nine Square. Games for all kick off at 9 a.m. and there are new ones this year. “We’re having a magic show this year,” said Angee

Coleman, who’s serving as marketing and advertisin­g director this year, about local magician Darryl Miller performing at the State Theatre.

Live entertainm­ent abounds, including a Back Yard Jam with various performers on Bowie Street. And also over at the State Theatre, check out The Little D Jamboree, De Kalb Treasures Variety Show and the sure-to beCinderfe­llas Pageant.

About the variety show, Coleman said, “That’s going to be basically kind of like a cabaret: different acts and different people that are talented.” You’ll find singing, dancing and skits.

Kids can enjoy face painting or the carnival rides. They can also visit the Kids Korner on Runnels Street. There are also Pumpkin Patch Photos and, at the Williams House Museum, a living history presentati­on throughout the day. A DC One Twenty Four special exhibit includes handcrafte­d furniture and art.

A Jeep show adds to the fun. “They are doing a flex ramp competitio­n and a modified Jeep competitio­n,” Coleman said. “They’re also doing a car crush, where you can pay to drive over a car.”

Perhaps on the other spectrum of activities are the Quilts & More Expo, Lollie Moser Memorial Art Show, Painting the Town at the fire station, Oktoberfes­t Bingo and a dessert walkabout.

This year’s parade grand marshals are Mike and Carolyn McCrary. Pageant royalty, various local businesses, the fire department, Shriners cars and more will participat­e, said Coleman.

( Mo re info: DeKalbTexa­sOktoberfe­st.com.)

 ?? Submitted photo ?? DeKalb, Texas, celebrates Oktoberfes­t on Saturday.
Submitted photo DeKalb, Texas, celebrates Oktoberfes­t on Saturday.

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