Among activities at the two-day Oktoberfest will be a Bavarian strength contest where competitors hold a full, one-liter beer stein in front of their bodies for as long as they can.
The Medford Business Association’s annual two-day Oktoberfest and music festival is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 15, and 1 to 9 p.m. the following day at Medford Freedom Park.
Dubbed “Medford’s biggest party of the year,” the festivities will have a massive beer tent sponsored by Taunton Forge Liquors and some lesser-known international beer brands. Guests can embrace the German culture of Oktoberfest with traditional German food.
The music fest will include more than 20 musical groups, a lineup that excites event volunteer Mark Oberstaedt.
“We are really excited to bring Low Cut Connie to Medford for a free show,” he said. “The energy level will be unlike anything we have presented at Oktoberfest in the past.”
Popular country artist Kenny Curcio, who grew up in Medford and now splits his
time between New Jersey and Nashville, will headline Saturday’s main-stage lineup.
“I first met Kenny about 30 years ago, when he was a little kid running around our local baseball fields,” recalled MBA First Vice-President Bob Egan. “It’s a real homecoming when he plays at Oktoberfest, and the audience can feel that right away. He’s a local guy, and his music resonates with people from this region.
“There will be a ton of amazing artists backing up these great headliners.”
This year’s event will also feature a Bavarian stein-holding competition sponsored by the township’s King’s Road Brewing Company, with judges from the U.S. Steinholding Association. Steinholding is a traditional Bavarian strength contest in which competitors hold a full, one-liter beer stein in front of their bodies for as long as they can, according to the association.
Of the contest’s three heats, one will be held on Friday and two on Saturday, and the winners of each will advance to the New Jersey state finals in October at the Feed Mill in Medford. Interested participants can sign up in person at the Oktoberfest.
Saturday will also feature a fair with scores of local businesses, crafters and artisans.
“Our family friendly Oktoberfest event showcases our Medford community,” noted MBA President Chantal Capodicasa. “It brings together thousands of patrons and spectators of all ages who attend, our MBA board of directors and volunteers, our Medford Township personnel, our local businesses on Main Street and throughout town and dozens of participating vendors who sell food or display their wares for sale on site.”
Children of all ages are welcome to attend both days of the event and there will be special activities for them on Saturday.
Free parking will be available at Freedom Park and surrounding areas, and shuttle buses will run from Sharp’s Run Plaza parking lot on Route 70 and Medford Village.
Among other Oktoberfest and music festival sponsors are ShopRite of Medford, True Value Hardware & Rental Medford and Archer Law. For more information, or to become a sponsor, food or business fair vendor, go to www.medfordbusiness.org and www.medfordoktoberfest.com
