Oktoberfest comes to Cole Camp on Saturday

The eighth annual Oktoberfest begins Saturday and features a variety German music and food to celebrate the town’s heritage.

Neil Heimsoth is a member of the Cole Camp Chamber of Commerce and helps organize the event each year.
“We have opened it up for craftsmen and artists this year,” Heimsoth said.

Area artists will display their works along North Maple Street during the arts and crafts fair.

Last year, Prairie Day made its first appearance in conjunction with Oktoberfest activities.

Korey Wolfe, director of grassland restoration with Audubon Missouri, said Prairie Day will feature tours, seminars and games.

“Prairie Day is to let everyone know how special and rare prairies are and how important they are,” Wolfe said.
The Hi Lonesome Prairie is located near Cole Camp and tours of the area will be given at 10 a.m., 12, 2, and 3:30 p.m.

“It’s a fun, family event to help kids and adults learn more about prairies and what they do for the ecosystem,” Wolfe said.

Prairie Day activities will include children’s prairie games, seminars and the Prairie Arts Competition.

Last year, more than 50 artists participated in the competition to win cash prizes and this year, Wolfe is expecting even more.

“It show be a big draw,” Wolfe said.

The art is of prairies and farm life and will be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jaycee’s Club House.

Oktoberfest activities will begin at 12:15 p.m. with the Festbaum and musicians will be performing throughout the day. Eichenberg Winery and 4K Meat & Cheese will offer performers as well.

Antique tractors, a craft show and a gun show will be displayed during the day.

The 3rd annual Assisted Dachshund race will be held at the Good Samaritan Care Center and a pet fashion and talent show will take place Saturday. Registration begins at 1:45 p.m.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Wolfe said.

If you go
What: Oktoberfest and Prairie Day
When: Saturday
Where: Cole Camp
Cost: Free to attend

Oktoberfest Schedule
Jaycee Gardens
12:15 p.m.:  Festbaum
12:30 p.m.: Keg Tapping
12:40 p.m.: German singers
1 p.m.: Brian McCarty
2 p.m.: German singers
2:20 p.m.: Brian McCarty
3:15 p.m.: Blautaler Schuhplattlers
3:45 p.m.: Brian McCarty
4:30 p.m.: Concordia Comical Crew

Eichenberg Winery
5 p.m.: Concordia Comical Crew
6 p.m.: Dog House Daddies

4K Meat & Cheese
5 p.m.: Whole hog dinner
6 p.m.: Concordia Comical Crew, Blautaler Schuhplattlers, Ken Fuchs on the keyboard and the Concordia Top-Hatters

Prairie Day Schedule
7 a.m.: Bird Watching at Hi Lonesome Prairie
10 a.m.: Prairie tours begin
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Prairie Art Exhibit/Contest at Jaycee’s Club House
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Kids games at Trinity Lutheran Church lawn
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Prairie displays on South Maple Street
10 a.m.: Ax throwing begins on North Maple Street parking lot