Tap That Growlers to host Oktoberfest at Union County Fairgrounds
Sep. 22—LA GRANDE — Dust off your lederhosen, La Grande's own autumn festival is returning this year at the Union County Fairgrounds.
Tap That Growlers is hosting Oktoberfest, an event with food, games, music and drinks from noon until 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25. The event's namesake is in homage to the annual autumn festival held in Munich, Germany, in late September and October.
According to a Tap That Growlers employee, owner Devin Cornford's goal in hosting the Oktoberfest event is to create a family-friendly get-together in the community. The event is open to all ages and features a variety of activities.
While Oktoberfest is typically centered around celebrating beer, Tap That Growlers is hoping to cater to all ages. Children and adults alike can compete in a pumpkin decorating contest among other events.
Backyard sports aficionados may compete in the cornhole tournament during Oktoberfest. Entry is $20 per participant and teams are drawn at noon Sept. 25. Cash prizes will be rewarded to the top cornhole teams.
A major segment of Oktoberfest is the barbecue contest. The competition will feature locals pitmasters showing off their skills. The barbecue will be served to patrons as part of the food options at the event.
Contestants will provide a side dish as well, while the barbecue will be graded in a judge's choice contest and a people's choice competition. Tap That Growlers is providing the equipment and materials needed for the contest.
La Grande's Oktoberfest also will feature regional music acts, Corey Peterson Band, The Wasteland Kings and The EOscenes.
Admission to the event is donation-based and will go toward paying for the bands.
