Addison's 2009 Oktoberfest

It's Oktoberfest time again in Addison!  The 2009 festivities (the 22nd Annual Oktoberfest Celebration in Addison) kick off on Thursday, September 17 and run through Sunday, September 20.  There's lots to do and see this year.  

Thursday, September 19th:

• Polka-thon! 
• German spelling bee.
• Largest "Chicken Dance" in Texas.

Friday, September 20th:

• The official "tapping of the keg" is Friday at 7:00 p.m.  Addison Mayor Joe Chow will tap the first keg of Paulaner from Germany, hopefully without spilling any bier.  Maxwell had a silver hammer, but the Mayor will use a wooden mallet to hammer the bronze spout into the keg.

• The Addison Oktoberfest Yodeling Competition is back! 9:00 pm at the Bowl Stage.
    It's Karaoke gone German! The Addison Oktoberfest Yodeling Competition is back! Twenty-five contestants will yodel their best to win great prizes. A panel of judges will score contestants based on the following criteria: Stage Presence, Audience Appeal, Dynamics/Technique, Difficulty, Uniqueness, Overall presentation. Competitors will be separated into two divisions - Adults (19+), Children (18 and under).

Saturday, September 21st:

• The Addison Oktoberfest 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run is on tap (pardon the pun!).  Registration begins at 6:30 am, with the 1 mile kid's fun run/walk taking off at 8:00 a.m. and the 5k run/walk/wheelchair race at 8:30 a.m. Put back the calories you've burned off with a beer when Oktoberfest opens at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.  This race supports Wipe Out Kids' Cancer, a nonprofit organization helping fund research, education and treatment for children with cancer.
• Two great Bier Barrel events: Bier Barrel Rolling and Bier Barrel Bowling

Sunday, September 22nd:

• Sunday is "dach" day.  Dachshunds rule! The short-legged dogs will parade across the main stage at 2:00 p.m. and at 3:00 they will run in Sidewalk Races.  The parade is sponsored by the Dallas Dachshund Club and they will have an adoption table next to the main stage if you'd like to take one home.  Visit the Addison Texas website for an application and rules for the dog races.  Did I mention the costume contest?  For the dogs!

There will be a Kids Tent.  Entertainment.  Weingarten.  Bier Tasting. Vendors. Food. Carnival rides and midway games. Paintball.  Face painting.  And so much more!

So why is Addison's Oktoberfest held in September, you ask? The world-renowned 14-day Munich Oktoberfest celebration ends the first week in October and Addison's event is scheduled to coincide with it.

Location: Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle Drive, Addison TX  75001
Hours:

Admission: Free admission on Thursday night, then $5 for ages 4 & up at the gate.  Discount tickets available at Tom Thumb stores.
Free Parking: NW corner of Dallas Parkway & Arapaho Road

For more information on this event, visit the Town of Addison's website.