Altoona to celebrate Oktoberfest downtown

The city of Altoona is holding an Oktoberfest celebration from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday in Heritage Plaza.

The idea of holding an Oktoberfest celebration has been brewing among city officials since before she was hired in the spring, said Main Street Manager Jamie Foust.

There will be drinks, food, live entertainment, a competition and kids’ activities.

Four city breweries will set up in the plaza: JJ Hadley & Co. Brewers, Levity Brewing Co. and Railroad City Brewing Co. of the downtown, and Behe Brothers Brewing Co. of Juniata, according to a news release from Foust.

They’ll serve German-style beers, ciders and seltzers, according to the news release.

Several downtown restaurants will also have a presence: Texas Hot Dogs, Hadleys, Noble Romans and Tin Jar Desserts, with bratwurst and soft pretzels among the offerings.

There will be three bands: The Bavarian Stompers, an oompah band, which will play from 2 to 4 p.m.; Jimmy Mowery, who will play acoustical covers of pop songs from 4 to 5 p.m.; and Model Citizen, which will cover 1980s-to-the-present rock songs from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Almrausch Schuhplattlers will perform traditional Bavarian dance routines from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

There will be a steinholding contest at 3:30 p.m. — the contest involves holding a full stein at arm’s length for as long as possible, Foust said.

The Kids Zone will feature an inflatable obstacle course and activities led by high school students from the Altoona and Hollidaysburg German clubs.

A valid ID is required for alcohol purchases. Wristbands will be given to those who are of age.

For more information, follow Downtown Altoona on Facebook and Instagram.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.