Oktoberfest 2010 in Seymour, Indiana

Small town Indiana brings big time Oktoberfest. Seymour is located in beautiful southern Indiana, an hour south of Indianapolis and an hour north of Louisville, on Interstate 65. Seymour will be hosting their Oktoberfest 2010 on September 30, and October 1 & 2 - Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. each day. The Oktoberfest attracts thousands of people to downtown Seymour, Indiana. This will be the 38th year for this annual event.

The Seymour Oktoberfest has everything you're looking for and something everyone will enjoy. From hot air balloon races and a festive parade -- to a large flea market and clowns. There will be the 5k Walk/Run/Wheelchair race,
the talent contest and German bands that are scheduled to perform nightly throughout the festival, you can sign up for the Polka and Chicken Dance competition on Saturday evening. Or, enter the brat-eating contest and win money for yourself and your favorite charity. For a quieter time, check out the baking contest, windows decorated for the festivities and the baby contest. The Oktoberfest also features free entertainment nightly on all three stages.

Each year the Oktoberfest sponsors a carnival downtown, located at the Ashcraft Parking lot in the 100 block of 2nd Street. Children of all ages enjoy the carnival area, with the games, giant slide, kiddie rides, and the bigger thrill rides for those who enjoy more excitement. $13 coupons for all-you-can ride bracelets will be sold prior to the festival at City Hall, 309 N. Chestnut Street until Wed. noon, Sept. 29th.

The huge parade is held on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. The parade begins at the high school on Community Drive, and proceeds east on 2nd Street to the downtown Oktoberfest area, turning north on Walnut Street and winding back to Community Drive. For the fourth straight year, the parade trophies and ribbons are sponsored by The Tribune, Jackson County's only daily newspaper. Seymour is also the hometown of rock star John Mellencamp. Although he has not attended the Oktoberfest for the past few years, he was the Grand Marshall in one of the early parades, and members of his world-wide fan club, the Mellenheads, have held conventions in Seymour during the Oktoberfeast.

There will be arts and crafts booths, a flea market, lots and lots of food. Food booths line the city streets, each
laden with rich, delicious treats beckoning festival visitors. Be sure to try the Bavarian treats and other ethnic foods that highlight the Oktoberfest tradition.