September 22 - Wiesn, O zapft is! Oktoberfest in Historic Downtown Cottage Grove last Saturday, brought the corner of 7th and Washington alive with Oans, zwoa, g’suffa, Brezl, and Bratwurst sausages. The block party was coordinated by Downtown Cottage Grove, Axe & Fiddle Public House and Coast Fork Brewing, outside of the armory building. German brews and food were on the menu, along with a day of Eastern Europe-inspired live performances by the Klezmonauts, The Basin Street Band Jazz Trio and Kelly Thibodeaux and the Etouffee Band.

The event is held on the same day that Oktoberfest commences in Munich, Germany, home of the world’s largest beer and traveling fun-festival, which continues for 16 or more days, until around the first Sunday in October. During the event, the consumption of beer dramatically goes up. In 2014 alone, over 7.7 million liters of beer were served during the festivities. Traditional, custom foods are generally served. It's been a part of German-Bavarian culture since 1810.

Although some of the pubs in Cottage Grove have recognized the time frame in which Oktoberfest has been held before, this year marks a collaborative, inaugural version of the festival.

People turned out for the event throughout the day, enjoying entertainment on stage and with Pacific Pub Cycle, a self-described party on wheels based in Eugene. The touring, eight-person circular meeting bike at the event, provided folks of all ages to enjoy a pleasant tour around Sixth Street, up to Whiteaker and back down Seventh Street.

It was a successful, one-day only event; however, the Covered Bridge Brewery will also be presenting a different event this Saturday to continue the tradition. Hosted by Feckmeister Franz, Oktoberfest at the Brewery will also be a one-day event with live German music, a stein holding contest, Bavarian eats, and of course the chicken dance, along with other fun Oktoberfest festivities. They are brewing traditional Oktoberfest bier and other European style ales and lagers on tap. Oktoberfest at the Covered Bridge Brewery continues from 3 to 10 p.m. on Sep. 24.