It is time once again for Galion Oktoberfest, to be held September 26, 27 and 28. This year marks 37 years of a fall festival with music, food, and rides. Galion has held some form of fall festival since 1920. As in the past Oktoberfest will feature some of the finest musical entertainment the state has to offer plus great food and fun rides.

On Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7:00 PM, the Main Stage at Harding Way W. and Union St. will feature the John Kennedy Orchestra. This 16 piece big band is without doubt one of the favorite big bands in the area. They have been together for over 50 years entertaining people with their big band music.

On Friday, Sept. 27, at 6:00 PM, the Main Stage will shift gears to an evening of high powered rock-n-roll featuring the Semer Brothers followed by the incomparable Direct Energy. at 8:00 PM. Direct Energy is an 8 piece rock band sporting 2 trumpets, 2 saxes, piano, bass, drums and lead guitar plus an unbelievable lead singer. They play the music of Chicago, ELO, Blood Sweat and Tears, and more.

On Saturday, Sept. 28, the music continues beginning at 1:00 with the unique sound of Vaughn Wiester’s octet, Slidus Maximus . This 8 piece group has 5 trombones, piano, bass, and drums. They feature the music of the famous composer/arranger Slide Hampton. At 3:00 PM the festival moves into high gear with Brian Smith and the John Vermuelen Octet. They feature the music of Frank Sinatra and Count Basie. Brian Smith is high powered singer who has performed on Broadway and TV. At 5:30 the music continues with The Erik Gimbel Orchestra. Erik Gimbel’s band consists of some of the finest musicians in America. The musical selections are culled from the finest big bands of the past, plus original compositions and arrangements. At 9:00 PM the main stage closes with one of the biggest names in rock history, Ohio Express. During a seven year period beginning in 1967, Ohio Express topped the charts with such hits as Beg Borrow and Steal, Try It, Zig Zag, Down at Lula’s Sweeter than Sugar, and of course their chart topping hits Chewy chewy and Yummy Yummy Ohio Express is again touring the world with the re-release of Yummy Yummy that has gone back up to number 2. These are true professionals who have stood the test of time.

There are two Bier Gartens, the Owls and the Elks. Each Bier Garten will have live entertainment on all three nights. Beginning on Thursday, the Owls will have Viper beginning at 7PM. On Friday, the Owls have Local Groove at 7PM and Boogie Hill at 9PM. The Elks have the Bullit Band at 9PM. ON Saturday the 28th, the Owls have Blackspere at 6PM followed by the Semer Bros at 8:30 PM. The Elks have 3 Minute Echo taking their stage at 8PM

The Christian/Gospel Stage located at the park square gazebo features 21 acts over the three days of the festival. A wonderful three days of fellowship.

As usual, Oktoberfest has a wonderful array of food vendors featuring Smokin’ Joe’s Ribs, Louisiana Grill’s Bourbon chicken, Marjon’s famous shredded chicken sandwich, Rudy’s Buffalo Burgers, and of course brats, Italian sausage, funnel cakes, gyros, crepes, and all the festival foods we love!

We again have Durant Amusements as our midway ride company and a wonderful array of games for all ages.