Get your polka on at Niwot Oktoberfest

Niwot Oktoberfest, a local tribute to the 211-year-old Bavarian volksfest, is coming to Cottonwood Square and 2nd Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 9. With activities ranging from inflatable horse races, to food tasting, to German dancing, there will be something there for everyone in the mood to celebrate the changing of the seasons, according to organizer Deborah Read Fowler of the Niwot Business Association.

"It should be a really fun day," she said. "It's more interactive, and it's outside. A lot of shops and restaurants will be serving some sort of special.... We're hoping it will get people rotating around town."

For those wanting a head start on the official festivities, there's a German brunch and market at Niwot Market from 9 a.m. to noon. Oktoberfest events get underway at 2 p.m., with a slate of activities the whole family can enjoy, including the aforementioned horse racing, plus a pair of cooking contests--apple pie and chili--that Fowler is expecting to draw a crowd. (To register for either event, visit niwot.com/events/niwot-oktoberfest).

Along the way, revelers can also enjoy live music from two polka bands and the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band, take a ride in a "moke," and sample German-themed treats from restaurants and shops. There will also be two Niwot souvenir booths, where guests can purchase Niwot t-shirts and special Oktoberfest Cookies from Joan's Petite Sweets.

For those wanting the full Oktoberfest experience, beer gardens at Fritz Family Brewing, Pinocchio's and Niwot Wheel Works are scheduled to open at 5 p.m., serving a brand-new Marzen ale from Fritz Family Brewers, plus a selection from the new taproom's regular line of German-themed beers.

Evening activities also include a German spelling bee at Niwot Wheel Works, plus an Oktoberfest version of Dancing Under the Stars, the weekly summer event that brings group dancing to Cottonwood Square.

"I want everyone to have a little bit of fun," Fowler said. "We want something for everyone, that's the goal of it."

The NBA is the main sponsor of Oktoberfest, but the event also has support from the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID), Blessings Day Spa, DRF Real Estate, and an anonymous donor. For more information visit http://www.niwot.com/events/niwot-oktoberfest.