The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its first Oktoberfest celebration. The event is set for Sept. 24-25 at McCall Plaza. 

 

“We’ve had a lot of enthusiasm about the Oktoberfest,” said Chamber marketing director Rick Lott. “The more we talk about it, the more enthusiasm we find.”

 

McCall Plaza, at the corner of McCall Road and Highway 21, was chosen because it is also the site of the county’s lone German restaurant, The Schnitzel Shack. Events include children’s activities and musical entertainment, featuring the Channelheimers Oompah Band. There also will be handmade arts and crafts and food and beverages for sale.

 

The Chamber will be holding an apple strudel bake-off as part of Oktoberfest. Strudel dates back to 1696, when it was created in Vienna. Judges will award prizes for the best, most authentic-tasting strudel.

 

There also will be a “best whiskers” contest for the best mustaches and beards.

 

Applications for arts and crafts and food vendors are available at the Chamber and online at www.effinghamcounty.com. The Chamber is offering marketing sponsorships to businesses and individuals. For more information on a sponsorship, call Lott at 754-3301.