Planning for the 4th annual Effingham Oktoberfest is under way, said incoming Chamber of Commerce President Dinah King, and it is going to be the biggest Oktoberfest yet.

The dates have been set for what has become Effingham County’s largest outdoor festival, and this year it will be held on a new and much larger venue. On Sept. 27 and 28 the Oktoberfest will be held in a 20-acre field beside Lowe’s and behind Fuller Chevrolet, recently purchased by the city of Rincon. The first event held on the site was the Civil War Experience, produced by the Chamber, and it also will be the new home for Rincon’s July 4 event which will feature a laser light show June 28.

 “It’s nice to have so much room to grow this event, and still be in sight of Highway 21,” said Chamber director Rick Lott. “We are already planning on bringing in new activities for the community to enjoy. One great advantage of this new home is that all our parking will be right here onsite – no more need for running shuttles or worrying if there is enough space for parking.”

Lott said the festival will still feature two large tents covering the stage and seating, as well as the beer trailers and tented seating there. The Channelheimers will be performing throughout the weekend again.

The Chamber is putting the call out for arts and crafts vendors, antiques vendors, non-profit organizations, and local musicians. Non-profit booths are $50; arts and crafts and antiques booths are $100; and booths not requiring electrical hookups are discounted to $75.

Music for Friday and Saturday will include slots for local musicians. Entries are available for the Friday evening Battle of the Bands, and this year the stage itself is a permanent one, being built now by the city of Rincon. Winner of the Battle of the Bands will receive $500 and the opening act slot on Saturday night.

The Chamber is looking for sponsors to help support and promote the event. Sponsorships are available for $250 and up. Lott said it’s a great way to get a business out in front of nearly 5,000 people over the two days.

The presenting sponsor for the festival is Comcast, with Savannah Technical College sponsoring the music stage. Sponsors include Georgia Power, Effingham Health System, Coca-Cola, Fuller Chevrolet, Harold’s Body Shop, Effingham Herald, GeoVista Credit Union, Enmark Stations, The Coastal Bank, Verizon Wireless, DeWitt Insurance, Heritage Bank of the South, city of Rincon, the Tent Factory, and the Effingham IDA.

For sponsorship information, contact Lott at 754-3301 or ricklott@effinghamcounty.com. For vendor applications, contact the Chamber or go to www.effinghamcounty.com and download an application off the Events, Oktoberfest page.