Restaurants, bars and stores are preparing for Main Street Kent’s Oktoberfest event set for Saturday.
The event will take place from noon to 10 p.m. on the Hometown Bank Plaza, where live music, seasonal beverages and German-inspired foods can be enjoyed.
Those legal to drink can enjoy beverages from one of Kent’s three breweries that will be present.
Madcap Brewing Co., North Water Brewing and Bell Tower Brewing will be at the event along with three beer trucks. They will serve seasonal beers and ciders. All beverages will be served in recyclable plastic containers to cut down on waste. No glass is allowed.
Beer costs $6 individually, pitchers cost $23 and pitcher refills cost $18. Cash and credit card are accepted.
Restaurants downtown will serve a variety of German food such as sauerkraut, pretzels, bratwurst, cabbage, among others. Daisy Pops is offering fall cake pops in collaboration with Bell Tower Brewing, which will have charcuterie boards. Taco Tontos will feature an Oktoberfest Burrito with potatoes, cheese, knockwurst, sauerkraut and beer cheese.
In addition to the established eateries, the Kent Fire Department will sell brat sandwiches.
Live entertainment will be held throughout the day on the stage of the Hometown Bank Plaza.
Entertainment will include the Mike Wojtila Trio playing polka and the German Family Society Youth Dancers. Multiple bands will play, as well, including Van Sailin’ and Ringer.
New this year to the event is an unofficial Steinholding competition. Steinholding involves holding a full glass of beer stein in the air parallel to the ground. The last person to follow the rules which includes holding the glass with good form, wins.
There will be two heats at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., in which participants must register online prior to the event beginning. Prizes will be awarded to the respective winners.
For updates and more keep an eye on Main Street Kent’s social media.
Andrew Bowie is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].