Oettingers to lead Oktoberfest as Fest Masters

A local couple steeped in Bavarian traditions will lead Baraboo Oktoberfest on Sept. 20 at Circus World.

This year’s Fest Masters, Pete and Rebecca Oettinger of Baraboo, have attended numerous Oktoberfests in Germany. They’ve found that these festivals foster community.

“You’re always going to meet new people as you sit down with strangers,” Pete Oettinger said. “It’s a great way to meet your neighbors.”

The Fest Masters’ duties will begin with a rickshaw ride around downtown Baraboo at 3 p.m., followed by the tapping of the golden keg at Circus World. The couple also will judge the costume contest and preside over the stein-holding competition. Organized by the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by Fairfield Inn & Suites, the fourth annual Baraboo Oktoberfest brings hundreds of revelers to the circus grounds each September.

“Oktoberfest is about the community coming together,” Rebecca Oettinger said. “It’s really a chance for everyone in the Baraboo Area to celebrate the fall.”

She is an attorney-turned-writer. Her husband is a partner with Wegner CPAs, a firm with deep roots in the Baraboo Area and a longstanding commitment to supporting local businesses and community events. Both are partners in Pals Brewing in Wisconsin Dells, which is brewing a special Oktoberfest beer for Baraboo Oktoberfest. Tumbled Rock Brewery and Al. Ringling Brewing will bring their distinctive Oktoberfest flavors, as well. Food trucks will serve a variety of fare. Baraboo Bluff and Balanced Rock wineries will offer wine.

“We’re excited to have a couple of Oktoberfest aficionados leading our event,” said George Althoff, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage everyone to break out their lederhosen and dirndls.”

The Oettingers will tap the golden keg at 3:30 p.m. That’ll be the cue for the Barabroo WisconSing Beer Choir to start singing. They’re the opening act for Griffy Jim and the Polka Dots, who take center stage at the hippodrome from 4-6 p.m. A costume contest and other games will take place from 6-7 p.m. as Electro Retro prepares to perform from 7-9.

Admission buttons cost $10 in advance at the Chamber’s Visitor Center at 600 W. Chestnut St. in West Baraboo. They’ll cost $12 on Sept. 20. For more information, visit oktoberfestbaraboo.com.