Willkommen: Oktoberfest begins in Belleville
After two different national anthems, a small procession and a ceremonial keg tapping, Belleville’s 35th Annual Oktoberfest officially opened Friday evening downtown.
After German-born Doris Roach sang The Star Spangled Banner on the main stage at Public Square, a color guard led Doris Roach and a handful of other revelers clad in lederhosen to a German-themed tent on East Main Street between North High and North Jackson streets, where Roach then sang Germany’s national anthem.
Following the singing of the traditional German song “Ein Prosit,” a half-keg of German beer imported from Munich was ceremonially tapped and anyone who had a cup ready was served for free.
Oktoberfest continues Friday night with food vendors and live music. Saturday’s schedule is below:
Saturday’s Schedule
8 a.m-noon Car show registration ($10 entry fee)
10:30 a.m. Vintage baseball game featuring the Belleville Stags at Hough Park
11 a.m. Food booths open
11 a.m. Cornhole tournament (registration starts at 10 or register at website)
11 a.m.-noon Ainad Brass Band (S)
11 a.m.-1 p.m. U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America (M)
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free children’s area with face painting, clowns, crafts and adoptable animals from the Belleville Area Humane Society
12:30-2:30 p.m. Performances by High School German Students (S)
2 p.m. Wiener Dog Derby racing starts (registration 11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
2-4 p.m. Social Remedy (M)
2-5 p.m. Dynamic Combo (S)
5-7 p.m. Blackwater Revival (M)
5:30-8 p.m. Belleville Community Band (S)
8-11 p.m. Metal Studz (M)
8:30-11 p.m. Uber Cool (S)
This story was originally published September 18, 2015 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Willkommen: Oktoberfest begins in Belleville."