With games and food booths, costume contests for people and pets — plus a bachelor auction — Mississippi University for Women”s Oktoberfest, Tuesday, Oct. 20, promises fall fun for the whole community. Admission is free to the event on Shattuck Lawn from 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
“Oktoberfest has a small carnival atmosphere,” said Symone Bounds, director of the MUW Student Programming Board, which sponsors the festival. “It”s free to get in, and it”s open to the public.”
Everyone is welcome to come in costume, and dress up their pets as well. The contest, with awards in different age categories, is expected to begin between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Bounds said.
The director added, “Everybody is welcome to bring a lawn chair, just enjoy the festivities — go play a while and then come back (to your chairs) and relax, then play some more.”
The Maskers Washboard Band and United Harmony Choir will provide live entertainment for Oktoberfest as families visit booths hosted by social clubs, fraternities and other campus organizations. Tickets for most activities will be 25 cents.
A light-hearted bachelor auction, presented by the Student Government Association in partnership with the Programming Board, begins at 8 p.m.
“The bachelor auctions draws a lot of attention to Oktoberfest,” said Bounds. “It”s a lot of fun, and the proceeds go to charity. It”s really interactive, and you get to see the personality of who”s being bid on.”
Community organizations are invited to reserve a booth. The cost is $25 and includes a table and two chairs.
For more information or to request booth space, contact Bounds at 601-513-1172, or e-mail [email protected]. The rain location for Oktoberfest will be Pohl Gymnasium.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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