NICEVILLE, Fla. — Bratwurst, German beer, live music and plenty of family fun are coming to Niceville this weekend as the Mid-Bay Bridge Rotary Club brings its annual Oktoberfest back to Merchants Walk.
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The two-day community festival will be held Friday, Sept. 25, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Merchants Walk, 4512 E. State Highway 20.
The annual celebration has become a longstanding fall tradition for the Mid-Bay Rotary Club, which has served the Niceville-Bluewater Bay area since 1993. This year’s event is the club’s 32nd annual Oktoberfest.
Festivalgoers can expect bratwurst and sauerkraut, chicken, hot dogs and pretzels, along with German beer, wine and sodas. About 30 vendors will offer food, arts and crafts.
Live entertainment will include the Edelweiss German Band, Emerald Coast Community Band, accordionist Walter Kasprzyk, Gary Schmitz and Jody Lucas, according to event information provided by the club.
There will be plenty for younger festivalgoers, too, including a giant slide, bounce house and other children’s activities. Balloon figures by Mikey Cameron are also planned.
The combination of German-inspired food, music and family activities continues a Niceville tradition that each year doubles as a fundraiser for Rotary’s charitable work.
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Proceeds from the Oktoberfest help the Mid-Bay Rotary Club support charitable and community programs. The club’s work includes support for local youth through scholarships, mentorship, and school-related activities.
The festival returns with a slightly different schedule than last year’s event, which was held Sept. 26-27 at the same location.
Cards will be accepted for purchases at this year’s Oktoberfest except for beer and wine, according to the club.
Oktoberfest runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Merchants Walk, 4512 E. State Highway 20 in Niceville.
