Homecomings, Oktoberfest taking center stage

It is now officially fall and we are starting to see a variety of fall events.

This week Homecoming activities are under way at both Byron and Hayfield High Schools and Saturday will see Oktoberfest celebrations sponsored by both the Kasson Public Library and the Kasson Chamber of Commerce.

Anyone looking for something to do Friday afternoon should consider attending either the Byron or Hayfield Homecoming parades and, of course, there are the big football games on Friday night.

Homecoming activities continue into next week in both Kasson-Mantorville and Triton with their football games scheduled for Friday, Oct. 4.

Oktoberfest on Saturday

Oktoberfest traces is history back to 1810 when Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on Oct. 12. Evidently everyone had so much fun at the celebration they decided to keep the festivities going.

Today, the yearly celebration in Munich is the world’s largest Volksfest most notably featuring a beer garden among other activities. Oktoberfest celebrations have spread far beyond Germany, notably to the United States, probably due to the number of German immigrants who came to this country over the years.

The one thing I never thought made sense is if it is called Oktoberfest why do people celebrate in September? I guess it is because that is what the Germans do. Munich’s Oktoberfest runs for 16 days with the last day being the first Sunday in October.

Whatever the reason for celebrating in September, here in Kasson it will be this Saturday, Sept. 28, and it will have a decidedly German look to it.

There will be brats, sauerkraut, German chocolate cake, pretzels, and of course beer for the adults, along with a variety of family friendly activities, even llamas.

For me though, the best part of Oktoberfest, and the most German, is the Wurst Dog Derby, also known as the wiener dog races, at 1 p.m. at Zumbro Valley Golf Course. If you are looking for an entertaining spectacle, please stop by to see these little four-legged dachshunds run their races.

Or should I say maybe run their races. Dachshunds are known to be just a little stubborn and inclined to do what they want. Some will run the course, some will just sniff their way around, some might just refuse to move. And even though costumes are not necessary, there will also be a prize given for the best outfit.

I think I can speak with some authority about dachshunds as the breed has been part of my world since I was a child.

In fact, my latest dachshund, Frankie, will be at the Wurst Dog Derby on Saturday bringing his attitude with him. Unfortunately, he will not be running as he is 14 years old, has several health issues, and is a little on the chubby side.

He will enjoy watching from the sidelines but he is being very clear that he does not want to wear the costume I bought him.