Prost! Fall is here and it is the perfect time to raise a stein and celebrate at the Third Annual Oktoberfest at Second Chapter Brewing on Saturday, September 27. Gates will open at 10:30 and events will kick off at 11:00 a.m. with remarks and a ceremonial tapping of the first keg. The day continues with food, fun, music, and, of course, beer.
Owners Richard Gibson and Lisa Kraus 
are brewing great beer here in Nebraska's Cowboy Capital, giving the town's former library building a "second chapter." German varieties on tap for Oktoberfest include: Bavarian Brothers (German Pils), Mary's Märzen (Märzen Oktoberfest), and Griffins' Nectar (Hefeweizen).
Authentic German food will be a delicious part of Oktoberfest in Ogallala. Second Chapter will be serving Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese sauce from the local Bittersweet Bakery, bratwursts by Main Street Meats and Jared Austin, and sauerkraut.
Contests will include the Stein Stamina and Best Dressed competition. The fun continues with face painting by the OHS Art Club from 1 to 5 p.m. and yard games.
Oktoberfest wouldn't be complete without polka music. Neue Polka Colorado will perform their unique fusion of pop and polka from 1 to 4 p.m., so bring your dancing shoes.
Local favorites Last Chance Band will perform from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
OTHER DETAILS & FESTIVAL RULES:
* Free admission
* All ages welcome
* Purchase tokens for food and drink
* No outside food
* No outside beverages
* No pets please
* Valid 21+ ID required to consume alcohol.
Richard and Lisa are carrying on a special tradition from Lisa's family. Lisa says, "More than a century ago, my Grandpa John Kraus grew up much like our children. His father, my great-grandfather Louis Kraus, was brewmaster of the new Hastings Brewing Company, which opened in February 1908. John was born shortly after. As John grew and the brewery expanded to be the second largest in the state before Prohibition, my young grandpa's job was to "candle" the beers. He would pass the bottles in front of a candle and make sure the only thing you could see in the bottle was clear, crisp, old-style German lager."
See you Saturday, Sept. 27 at Second Chapter Brewing in Ogallala for an Oompah Good Time!