The Marion Chamber of Commerce hosted their fourth annual Oktoberfest celebration on 7th avenue in Marion’s historic uptown district. The celebration took place on Saturday September 20th from 11:00AM - 3:00PM, and featured some of the best breweries in Iowa. The festival also featured traditional German music and games including Hammerschlagen, Stein Holding Contests, and Keg Rolling. The presenting sponsor of this years Oktoberfest was Club Pilates.
Executive Chef and Owner of the Hip-Stir makes Beer Cheese Mac and Cheese Pretzel Bite Poutine with Bacon Jam Gravy. The Hip-Stir is part of the Fun not Fancy Restaurant Group which also includes MoCo Game Room & Hot Dog Bar, Sacred Cow Tavern, LP Street Food, Brick’s Bar & Grill, and Cliff’s Dive Bar & Grill.
Paha Cider Co. owner Mark Westbrock pours a drink for a customer during the Oktoberfest celebration in Marion on Saturday September 20th. Handcrafted Hard Cider is based in Waverly and has been open for business for the last two years.
Goldfinch Tap and Eatery owner John Lillibridge makes Pretzel Bites for a customer while celebrating Oktoberfest in Marion. Lillibridge has owned the Goldfinch Tap and Eatery since 2019.
The Lyle Beaver Band performs for the Oktoberfest crowd in Marion. Drummer David Saelens, Lyle Beaver on the Accordion, and Saxophone player Mike Vanspeybiock have been playing together for thirty years. Beaver himself began playing the Accordion at nine years old, and has played for the last fifty years.
Ryan Kelchen (left) and Olivia Sunlin from take orders and make drinks for customers while managing the Millstream Brewing Company tent during Marion’s Oktoberfest on Saturday September 20th. Millstream Brewing Company is based in the Amana Colonies, and is Iowa’s oldest brewing company. They have been in business since 1985.
Lion Bridge Brewing Company volunteer Cory Pelley pours a drink for a customer. Lion Bridge Brewing Company is a family owned Brewing Company that has been open for the last twelve years, and is based in the Czech Village in Cedar Rapids.
Addison Johnson from Marion puts up a Peace Sign while enjoying a brew with a group of friends.
Beth McLaughlin from Marion tries a brew from Allerton Brewing Company. Allerton Brewing Company is based in Independence. The Current Owners bought the business three years ago.
Josh Fitzpatrick from Mount Vernon plays Hammerschlagen while enjoying the Oktoberfest celebration with a group of friends. Hammerschlagen is a game in which participants compete against each other by driving a nail into a wooden beam or log.
Rocky Mock pours a drink for a customer while working at the Exile Brewing Company tent during Marion’s Oktober fest celebration on Saturday the 20th. Exile Brewing Company is based in Des Moines and is open from 11am-10pm Tuesday-Thursday, 11am-11pm Friday, 10am-11pm Saturday, and 10am-9pm on Sunday.
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