Celebration set for Friday Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24
McKINNEY, TEXAS (Sept. 14, 2011) – McKinney is known for community events, like Red, White and BOOM!, Dickens of a Christmas and Bike the Bricks, all of which bring thousands of residents and visitors to our city. Oktoberfest, now in its fourth year, is quickly becoming a signature event for McKinney.
This fall, McKinney Main Street brings the fourth annual Oktoberfest to Historic Downtown McKinney on Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24. Thousands of residents and visitors are expected from around the area to attend the free Oktoberfest event.
“Historic Downtown is the perfect backdrop for this special event. Downtown McKinney boasts one of the most vibrant historic districts in the state, with more than 100 unique shops and restaurants,” said Main Street Director Ty Lake. “We’ve hosted an increasing attendance at Oktoberfest during each of the last three events, and we expect this year to be our largest crowd yet.”
The highlight of any Oktoberfest celebration is authentic German beer and food, and the McKinney event boasts an array of traditional and non-traditional German cuisine. German Beer will be provided by McKinney’s own Franconia Brewery and also from Warsteiner Beer. Wine, food and non-alcoholic beverage throughout will be provided by many vendors, including local restaurants Patina Green, Hamm’s and Local Yocal.
The event starts at 4 p.m. on Friday with the traditional Oktoberfest March. During the Tapping of the Keg at 6:30 p.m., local dignitaries will gather in front of the Main Stage to officially tap the first keg of Franconia by hammering the bronze spout into an over 200 year-old keg with a wooden mallet.
Oktoberfest isn’t just for those ages 21 and up. There is plenty for kids and families at this hometown event. Kinder Activities include some that are free and some activities that require a nominal fee. A petting zoo, face paining, Bier Barrel Races, Weenie Dog and want-to-be Weenie Dog races, Oktoberfest Arts & Crafts and the Main Street Magic & Fun Company's German Train provide unique fun.
The McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC) welcomes an eclectic collection of artisan vendors at the MPAC Marktplatz. Live entertainment, headlined by Brave Combo, will be provided on two stages throughout the event by a line-up of bands playing mostly traditional German music.
photo by Allen Rich
Even though Oktoberfest comes to us from Germany, McKinney adds its own flare to the event through opportunities to give back to the community. Laura Moore Fine Art Studio is sponsoring a large outdoor labyrinth made of cleaning products to benefit The Samaritan Inn. Donations of cleaning products in plastic containers are requested. On Saturday morning at 8 a.m., Sharing Spoons, a division of Spoon’s Café, will hold the first annual Fastnachtsdienstag (Pancake Day). The complimentary pancake breakfast benefits the Alzheimer's Association.
Thank you to the following sponsors for supporting this event: City of McKinney, FIAT of McKinney, 100.3 JACK JM, Neighborsgo, Franconia Brewery, Warsteiner, Zynga with Friends, Carey Cox Company, Town Square Buzz, Sprint, PepsiCo, Bavarian Grill and the Goddard School of McKinney.
Admission is free to the event and free parking can be found in 12 public lots surrounding downtown. Be prepared to detour to outer lots when coming into downtown, as streets will be blocked to through traffic beginning Thursday night, Sept. 22 through early Sunday morning, Sept. 25. For more information on Oktoberfest or to inquire about being a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer please contact (972) 547-2660 or visit www.downtownmckinney.com.
