TOPSHAM

Raise a stein Saturday when the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber’s Oktoberfest returns for a second year to the Topsham Fairgrounds for a celebration of German culture — music, food, dress, mustaches and craft beer.

The event is noon to 7 p.m. and full of competitions, live music, palatable delights, free parking and more. This is an event for people 21 and over and no carry-ins are allowed. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the event. A senior discount is available at the gate.

The idea for Oktoberfest came from chamber board member Bob Hutchins, who organized them for seven years for the Snowbird resort in Utah where he worked in his younger years.

The chamber held its first Oktoberfest two years ago at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Brunswick. The event was a success the organization has worked to build upon each year, reducing admission costs and increasing the number of entertainers at the venue at the Topsham Fairgrounds. The event coincides with the opening of Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

All day, there will be German beer available specially crafted for the event, freshly prepared food, as well as artisan and merchandise vendors, Corn Hole gaming and raffles.

Competition sign-ups will be open until 15 minutes before the event or until all slots are full. The schedule as is follows:

•Noon to 3 p.m. Portland’s own Oktoberfest German Band

•1 p.m. Server relays

•2 p.m. Keg toss practice

•3 p.m. Keg toss competition (music by Live Stream)

•4 p.m. Stein hoisting challenge and competition winners announced

•5 p.m. Edgecomb’s Sweatin’ Bullets Band

Portions of the proceeds to benefit the Veterans Resource Center.

For more information, directions or to see the craft beers that will be available visit http://www.oktoberfestmaine.com/ or Oktoberfest Maine — Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber on Facebook.

dmoore@timesrecord.com