Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority Event Coordinator Tania Mishra shows off the German wines that will be available at this year’s Oktoberfest on Saturday. The authentic Bavarian festival is set for 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the parking at the intersection of East A and Iron Mountain streets. The German wine is new to the event and will be provided by Bink’s Wines and Beverages. (Iron Mpuntain Daily News photo by Terri Castelaz)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dust off those clogs and get ready to polka.

The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority has announced the return of Oktoberfest on Saturday to downtown Iron Mountain.

The authentic Bavarian festival, sponsored by First National Bank & Trust, is set for 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the parking lot at the intersection of East A and Iron Mountain streets.

Festivities kick off with Festmeister Mark Klossner offering opening remarks at 10:50 a.m.

Klossner will continue to keep the merriment going throughout the day with traditional polka music and themed chants.

It wouldn’t be an Oktoberfest without German cuisine and spirits. Local vendors providing tasty specialities include Crispigna’s, Spiros, Uncle Bob’s Pigs “R” Us and Dulce Nulla Gourmet Desserts.

New this year will be German wines provided by Bink’s Wines and Beverages, DDA Event Coordinator Tania Mishra said.

“We are especially thrilled to offer these wine for those who don’t get excited for beer,” DDA Program Director Mindy Wittock added.

Food vendors will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. “There will be food for every palate,” Mishra said. They will offer four Oktoberfest beers from Leinenkugel’s, Bell’s Brewery, Samuel Adams and Hacker-Pschorr.

Live entertainment begins with The Twin Lakes & Trio from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Richie Yurkovich and Polka Dot will take the stage with classic polka music from 2 to 5:45 p.m.

Closing out the evening will be the popular local variety band Next Myle from 6 to 9:45 p.m.

“They are really loved by the crowd — we are happy to be bringing them back,” Mishra said.

The music at Oktoberfest is sponsored by the Tourism Association of Dickinson County Area.

Men and women can test their Bavarian strength in the stein holding competition. “Once again, this is back by popular demand,” Mishra said.

There is no cost to compete, but participants must register online to reserve a spot. Competitors must have an Oktoberfest 21-plus wrist band to take part in the contest.

Each heat will have a maximum of five participants. The winner from each heat will compete in the championship round.

“The overall champion will receive their own ‘Das Boot,'” Mishra said.

The DDA also will crown a new Ms. Oktoberfest. Candidates will compete at noon in three categories: best dirndl or German outfit; beer palate — the ability to identify Oktoberfest beers through a blind taste test; and German pronunciation — the ability to pronounce three German words.

“We are excited for Ms. Oktoberfest, who will receive a beautiful crown and sash,” Mishra said.

Attendees can enjoy games of hammerschlagen as well, in which participants attempt to hammer a nail into a tree stump with a single swing, Mishra said.

The DDA is bringing back cornhole games, too, for friendly competition.

Northern Interstate Bank will sponsor the children’s area, which is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Activities include a bounce house, a magic show, balloon animals and more.

“We strive to provide entertainment and activities for the entire family,” Wittock said.

A few VIP tables, which seats eight people, are still available. “These tables must be booked in advance, so if anyone is thinking about make reservations, you should do so today,” Mishra said.

Tables will include a sign with the business or family name making the reservation.

The DDA is also partnering with Run Iron Mountain. Participants in the half-marathon and relay will receive free entry into Oktoberfest and a free beverage of their choice.

The event still needs volunteers, especially for third shift from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., Mishra stressed. “We have stations that are empty right now,” she said.

“The weather is looking good so far, so hopefully we will see some sunshine and a good crowd,” she said.

Admission is $10 for wristbands at the gate, with ages 12 and younger able to attend for free.

All proceeds benefit the Iron Mountain DDA, which supports economic development, historic preservation and the revitalization of Iron Mountain’s downtown business district.

Oktoberfest sponsors include First National Bank & Trust, Tourism Association of Dickinson County Area, Northern Interstate Bank, Erickson Jewelers, M.J. Electric, Grede, 41 Lumber, Dickinson County Healthcare System and Norway Eye Care.

“We are so excited to be able to bring back Oktoberfest after a year of no events,” Wittock said. “This will give everyone an opportunity to come together and have a good time at a special outdoor festival.”

Mishra noted the festing area will be stocked with hand sanitizers and gloves, and stations regularly cleaned. More signage will be posted to help direct the flow of people coming and going into each area and avoid congestion.

“We just want to celebrate community and come together to enjoy each other’s company at this special outdoor festival,” Mishra said.