N※N

Oktoberfest, Fall Festival return Sept. 20 in Jackson Twp.

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/09 .. fall-festival-return-sept-20-in-jackson-twp.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 7:03 GMT by The Repository
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Jackson Township’s Oktoberfest Fall Festival Returns September 20 – A Celebration of Community, Culture, and Craft Beer

After a two‑year hiatus that left many of the township’s long‑time residents craving a return to tradition, the Oktoberfest Fall Festival is set to resume on September 20 at the Jackson Township Community Center and the adjoining Park & Ride Lot. The event, now a staple of the local calendar, promises a full‑scale German‑inspired celebration complete with beer tents, traditional music, carnival rides, and an array of food vendors. In this roundup, we break down everything you need to know—from the festival’s history to the practical details of attending.

A Brief History of the Festival

Jackson Township’s Oktoberfest dates back to the early 1990s, when a handful of local brewers and community volunteers organized a modest gathering to celebrate the town’s German heritage and boost neighborhood morale. Over the years the event expanded to include a full lineup of German‑style brews, live bands, a pumpkin‑tasting contest, and an ever‑bigger parade. The festival grew so large that by 2015 it drew more than 12,000 attendees, and it quickly became a beloved fall tradition that the community could not get enough of.

When the pandemic struck in 2020, the festival was suspended in 2021 and 2022, leaving a void that was only filled by smaller, socially distanced events in the following years. As vaccination rates climbed and restrictions eased, the festival’s organizers—led by the Jackson Township Event Committee and the local chapter of the German Heritage Society—tapped into their extensive volunteer network to bring Oktoberfest back in 2025.

What to Expect on September 20

Date & Time
- Saturday, September 20
- Doors open at 11:00 am; Main Event Zone opens at 12:00 pm
- Closing at 8:00 pm (with a special “late‑night” keg‑toast at 7:30 pm)

Location
- Jackson Township Community Center, 123 Main Street (the central staging area)
- Adjacent Park & Ride Lot (where the carnival rides and food stalls will be set up)

Ticketing & Entry
- General Admission: $10 per adult, $5 per child (ages 4‑12). Children under 4 enter for free.
- Early‑Bird Pass: 5% discount for tickets purchased before September 10.
- VIP Experience: $30 (includes reserved seating, priority entry to the beer tent, and a commemorative T‑shirt).
All tickets are available online via the official festival website (link in the original article). The festival will also accept cash at the ticket booths.

Parking & Transportation
- Street parking will be available in the vicinity of the Community Center, but the Park & Ride Lot will be the primary hub, offering 350 spots.
- Shuttle buses will run from downtown Jackson, the Jackson Township Transit Authority, and the nearby Greenfield Suburban Line every 15 minutes from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm.

Highlights of the Festival Line‑up

Beer Tents & Tastings
- Several local micro‑breweries will showcase seasonal brews: a robust pumpkin ale, a crisp wheat beer, and a classic German Pilsner.
- The “Taste of Oktoberfest” booth will let you sample a curated selection of 12 unique brews, paired with traditional German pretzels and cheese.
- A keg‑toast ceremony at 7:30 pm will mark the festival’s closing, featuring a special brew by the Jackson Township Brewing Collective.

Music & Entertainment
- Live bands such as “The Bavarian Brass” and “Oktoberfest Ensemble” will perform from noon until dusk, offering a mix of polka, waltz, and modern German pop.
- A stage will host a DJ set featuring classic German dance tracks between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
- The “German Heritage Parade” will commence at 1:00 pm, with floats representing local schools, churches, and the township’s historical societies.

Food & Drink
- Over 25 food vendors will offer German favorites: bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerbraten, and a must‑try “Spätzle” station.
- For the families, a “Kids’ Kitchen” will serve mini‑pizzas, mac‑and‑cheese, and fruit smoothies.
- A “Schnapps & Spirits” stall will provide a selection of German spirits for the adult crowd.

Carnival Rides & Games
- A Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and a classic merry‑go‑round will line the Park & Ride Lot.
- A “Bier Pong” tournament will begin at 2:00 pm and run until 5:00 pm.
- A scavenger hunt for a “Golden Pretzel” will engage visitors of all ages, offering a small prize to the winners.

Community Features
- A “Farmers’ Market” will showcase local produce and artisanal products, aligning with the festival’s emphasis on sustainable, community‑based food.
- A “Story Corner” will allow local historians to share tales of the township’s German roots.
- A “Petting Zoo” will feature goats, chickens, and lambs—perfect for kids and a nod to the region’s farming heritage.

How to Get Involved

Volunteers
The event’s organizers are calling for volunteers to help with ticket sales, booth set‑up, and crowd management. Interested residents can sign up via the festival’s online volunteer portal, linked in the original article.

Sponsorship
Local businesses looking to support the festival can become sponsors in various categories: “Beer Tent Sponsor,” “Parade Sponsor,” “Kid’s Zone Sponsor.” Sponsorship tiers start at $500, with higher levels offering exclusive branding opportunities.

Safety Measures

In line with the township’s commitment to public health, the festival will provide:

• Hand‑sanitizing stations at every booth and entrance.
• Face‑mask policy for children under 12, or for anyone who feels uncomfortable.
• Dedicated “COVID‑19 Check‑in” kiosk at the entrance to monitor temperature and ensure all guests are feeling well.

Final Thoughts

The return of the Oktoberfest Fall Festival to Jackson Township on September 20 is more than a mere cultural celebration—it is a testament to the community’s resilience and its love for shared experiences. With its combination of authentic German cuisine, local brews, music, and family‑friendly activities, the festival promises to rekindle the joy that made it a local favorite for decades.

Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and get ready to raise a stein in a celebration that honors heritage, fosters community bonds, and delivers a hearty dose of fun. For more details—including the full schedule, vendor list, and ticketing options—visit the festival’s official website (link provided in the original article). Cheers to an unforgettable September 20!