The community of Remsen will roll out the welcome mat this weekend as they host the 32nd annual Remsen Oktoberfest Saturday, Oct. 29.

Tradition is the key to the Oktoberfest celebration, which features arts and crafts, entertainment, the beer garden and Luxembourg, German and American food.

(Advertisement)

The Arts and Craft Show moves to a new location this year, the Remsen City Hall and Avalon Ballroom and is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The beer garden and family style dinner will once again be located at St. Mary's High School. The beer garden will be open from 1 to 8 p.m. in the gym, with entertainment throughout the afternoon and early evening. Polka music will be provided by Bruce Bradley of Browton, Minn., Delmar Dahnke of Hartley and the Remsen Fiddlers. The dance floor will be open for those who wish to kick up their heels to the polka music.

Giftware and souvenirs will be available to purchase at the gym throughout the afternoon and early evening.

Tickets for the family style dinner will be available at 1 p.m. at St. Mary's gym. Dinner will be served from 3 to 8 p.m. in the school cafeteria, with serving family-style by Remsen and area residents. On the Luxembourg and German menu is Luxembourg treipen, bratwurst, headcheese, German potato salad, German kraut, rolls, milk and coffee. On the American menu is roast beef, chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, cole slaw, rolls, milk and coffee.

The evening ends with teenage rock phenomenon Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50's band from Des Moines bringing their 50s and 60s style rock 'n roll to the historic Avalon Ballroom, starting at 8:30 p.m.

Richie Lee's interest in Buddy Holly began at the age of 6 when he began listening to Buddy Holly CD's. He began taking guitar lessons at 11 and learned to play the drums at age 12. Richie Lee and his band play rock 'n roll the way it was meant to be.

The Remsen Oktoberfest is an annual celebration of its heritage, an area originally settled by immigrant German and Luxembourger farmers.

Chairpersons for this year's event are Steve and Nancy Matgen and Kevin and Kathy Rollins, with the Remsen Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, call the Oktoberfest Hotline at 712-786-3408.