Break out the lederhosen –
it’s that time of year again

It’s fall, so that means Clayton’s gala Oktoberfest returns for its 11th year of Bier, Wurst and joyful Gemütlichkeit. The festivities take over Main Street in downtown Clayton from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5.
Back for their 11th year is the ever-popular little German band, The Internationals, “the guys who put the Oom in ‘Oom-pah.’”
“The Internationals are one of the premier Oktoberfest bands in the U.S. and consider Clayton’s Oktoberfest as one of their favorites,” says long-time Oktoberfest volunteer Ed Hartley.
Central to any Oktoberfest are the food and libations. German bier will flow, along with wine and cider. Wienerschnitzel, sausages, hot pretzels, and, of course, sauerkraut, will be available at the Food Court.
Back again is the popular Sardine Family Circus, an acrobatic troupe who will perform throughout the weekend. They wowed Clayton last year, as they have been amazing the crowds at Pier 39 all year.
The many arts and crafts booths will display early holiday gift ideas, including, jewelry, paintings, photographs, and an array of unique items.
For the kids, it’s glitter tattoos, face-painting, hot dogs, and lemonade. For the dogs, strategically placed water dishes.
Again this year, the Paul Maurer Show brings popular carnival rides. The carnival opens a day in advance of Oktoberfest, Friday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 5, rides are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday Oct. 6 from 11a.m. to the close of the festival.
Tickets for the carnival rides will be presold at $10 for 20 coupons and will be available at the following downtown Clayton merchants: Ed’s Mudville Grill, Hairs the Place, The Royal Rooster, and Skipolini’s Pizza. At the event ticket prices go up to $20 per 24 coupons.
One welcome addition to festival this year will be a shuttle service to downtown from outlying lots, says event co-chair Mary Ann Lawrence.
Oktoberfest is sponsored and overseen by the Clayton Business and Community Association. Along with the Art & Wine Festival, Oktoberfest is CBCA’s major fundraiser. This year’s co-chairs are Lawrence and Marilyn Schmidt. Both have worked with the event for many years.

Without the help of hundreds of volunteers from all over the community, none of the fundraising events could happen, says Gregg Manning, CBCA President. Proceeds from CBCA fundraisers go to support local community projects.
Volunteers are always needed, Manning points out. For information on getting involved, or about Oktoberfest or the carnival in general, call CBCA at 925-672-2272 or visit www.claytonoktoberfest.com.