It's Oktoberfest! Oct 16-19

Chattanooga Market's German celebration boasts bands, banquet, art and beer

photo For 13 years, the Chattanooga Market has celebrated Oktoberfest with a family-friendly environment of authentic German food, drink and entertainment.

If you go• What: Oktoberfest at Chattanooga Market• When: 6-9 p.m. today (Festhalle Banquet, tickets required); 5-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19• Where: First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Reggie White Blvd.• Admission: Free except for tonight's $45 Festhalle Banquet• Phone: 423-648-2496• Website: chattanoogaoktoberfest.com

Ready for a party?

How about a five-day Oktoberfest celebration at Chattanooga Market?

For 13 years, the market has celebrated Oktoberfest with a family-friendly environment of authentic German food, drink and entertainment. And because of its success, there will be a lot more festivities included in this year's extended celebration, which kicked off Wednesday evening with Artoberfest, a showcase of local creations.

"It became apparent to us (at Chattanooga Market) these last several years that we were hosting this festival for not only our community, but folks from all over the country were enjoying it as well," says Chris Thomas, the market's executive director, in a news release. "We've added more events and entertainment to the festival schedule than ever."

Melissa Siragusa, market spokeswoman, says that last year an estimated 30,000 attended over two days, causing market officials to lengthen the celebration.

"You know that feeling you have when you're a kid waking up Christmas morning? I have that feeling when Oktoberfest begins," Siragusa says, noting that the Biergarten (Beer Garden) and oompah bands have been the most popular attractions. "Though, this year I think the exclusive Festhalle Banquet (scheduled tonight, Oct. 16) will get the attention of the serious Oktoberfest fans."?

This ticketed event features a traditional German feast filled with locally farm-sourced ingredients under the direction of chef Nathan Flynt. The recipes include currywurst (made with pork sausage), spatzel (pasta), kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) and apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Local and seasonal beers will be offered, as well as live entertainment from Nashville's Oom-Pah-Sters. Tickets, $45, are available online at ChattanoogaOktoberfest.com/festhalle-banquet.

Music throughout the celebration will feature the Chattanooga Wurstbrats and other oompah bands from the region. There will be polka and chicken-dancing on two stages.

Additional highlights include a Polka Party on Friday, Oct. 17, and a 5K and 1-mile fun run on Saturday, Oct. 18. For the Polka Party, participants are encouraged to come dressed in full Oktoberfest attire. A Mr. and Ms. Chattanooga Oktoberfest will be decided by popular vote at 7 p.m.

The Biergarten will feature 99 beers from around the world.

Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6396.

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