The 30th annual Oktoberfest celebration was held in downtown Grand Junction on Saturday, Oct. 1.
The day started with the second annual Men in Heels Race, where men were put to the test to race down Sixth Street and Colorado Avenue in women’s high heels. The three winning teams received high heel trophies. In first place was the Colorado Conservation Corps, in second place was Mesa County Probation and in third place was K2 Taxi. Each team paid $250 to register and proceeds went to Latimer House.
The fourth annual wiener dog races followed bringing in close to 100 different breeds including standards, minis, long-haired and short-haired dachshunds. All proceeds from the race went to Roice-Hurst Humane Society. The races went for nearly two hours, as dozens of people came to watch the wiener dogs run down the 40-foot stretch of fenced in fake grass that was set up for participants.
The rest of the afternoon was filled with beer, brats and Polka music. Live Polka bands played throughout the day while more people filled the streets.
“It was a nice turn out,” CMU student Mike Francis said. “A lot of people showed up, and it looks like everybody came out with their family to enjoy the warm weather while we’ve still got it.”
A bump and jump was set up at the end of Seventh Street and Colorado Avenue to keep the children entertained, along with jugglers and face painting. A costume contest was also held on the main stage for the best-dressed children portraying Hansel and Gretel, who were awarded with trophies.
Children weren’t the only ones who came dressed to impress. Several adults came dressed to fit the part, and participated in nail pounding, and the beer mug holding contest.
Several venders from local business showed up to promote their products, lining the block with homemade arts and crafts. Even some new comers showed up this year to promote their clubs and help raise money for their organizations.
Oktoberfest was co-sponsored by the German American Club, along with the Elks Lodge, Orchard Mesa Lions Club, Infinity Event Design and KREX News Channel 5.

nstimack@mavs.coloradomesa.edu