APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Fall means Octoberfest in Appleton.
The one day festival on College Avenue brings in hundreds of thousands of people.
Organizers say it is all about giving back and helping non-profits.
” Money that is raised at the food booths goes back to those non-profits,” committee member Tara Brzozowski.
The groups prepare and sell the food to one of the largest crowds the city will see.
Even money raised from the rest of the day goes back to where it is needed, according to committee member Nikki Voelzke.
“This is our 38th year of doing it and in the past 37 years, we have given more than $2.5 million dollars back.”
Octoberfest can be defined by food, music, and beer.
“We have over 20 bands, different stages for music and all kinds of different food,” Brzozowski said.
Everywhere you look, vendors are selling different foods along the one-mile stretch. Some like the Fireman’s Chili is a longtime favorite.
Nikki Voelzke says when it comes to music, there is something for everyone.
“It is everything from oldies to 90’s hip-hop to rock.”
Then there is the beer.
Trishia Schwartz of Wisconsin Distributors says they like to keep it fresh every year.
“We will have ales, lagers, and porters and what is really popular this time of year are Octoberfest beers.”
They always make sure to help support local brewers and this year, they have a beer that is brewed in Marion, Wisconsin among their selections.
For the beer drinkers…
“Seltzers have been very vouge the last couple of years so we wanted to offer an alternative for people who don’t like beer.”
Appleton Police are asking all in attendance to drink and act responsibly and to take advantage of services like safe ride options to help them achieve that goal.
