Anne Erickson

Lansing State Journal

Oktoberfest returns for a ninth year this Friday and Saturday, bringing the true Deutsch experience to Old Town's bustling streets.

The community festival, presented by the Old Town Commercial Association, celebrates all things fall and German with live music, dancing and authentic German food and beer.

Oktoberfest highlights Old Town's unique flair and energy. The festival generally brings in 3,000 people, and that's what organizers expect this year.

"Old Town is a great spot to visit year-round because it has incredible restaurants, unique boutiques, and a charm that comes from the combination of beautiful historical buildings and warm community members," said Bridget Gonyeau, festival director at the Old Town Commercial Association.

Oktoberfest, along with Festival of the Sun and Moon, is one of the most important annual fundraisers for the Old Town Commercial Association, a grassroots organization focused on community and economic development.

"Oktoberfest brings in about 25 percent of Old Town Commercial Association's yearly budget," Gonyeau said. "These funds go towards everything from our big summer event, The Festival of the Moon and Sun, to smaller community based projects like Compassionate Feast, which is an event that gives about 175 Lansing area families the ingredients to make a thanksgiving dinner.

"The funds also go towards restoration and beautification projects around Old Town and much more. "

Music-wise, this year's selection is local and spirited, including Taylor Taylor, the Happy Wanderers and longstanding Oktoberfest performer the Polish Muslims. Mark Grinnell, Hy-Notes and Lil Darlins' will also rock the event.

In Oktoberfest tradition, beer is a big draw. Specialty brews this year count Warsteiner, Hacker Pshorr Oktoberfest, Spaten Oktoberfest, Sam Adams Oktoberfest, Frankenmuth Oktoberfest, Uncle John's Apple and Cheboygan Oktoberfest, among others. As for food, get those tastebuds ready for authentic German and German-themed food.

This year will mark Gonyeau's first Oktoberfest experience. She's ready.

"From previous festival-goers, I've heard a lot of excitement about the specialty beers we will have," she said. "I know a lot of people come for the great atmosphere.

"Oktoberfest is the only event of its kind in mid-Michigan so it's a really unique festival."