Beloved Michigan City Oktoberfest celebration continues to reach new heights during its fourth post-hiatus installment

Although we have about a month of summer to go, autumn was in the air during Michigan City’s Oktoberfest celebration, which took place over Labor Day weekend. Michigan City residents and visitors from all around flocked to Washington Park, 6 On the Lake, to enjoy good food, good music, and good company. Over 45 art, craft, merchandise, and food vendors were in attendance at this event. During the four-day celebration, attendees enjoyed over 50 live musical performances at the festival’s three stages.

According to Terry Greetham, director of special events for the City of Michigan City, the Oktoberfest has been held in Michigan City since the 1970s. After some time, management of the event passed from group to group until it went on a permanent hiatus. When Greetham, a Michigan City native, ascended to his current role five years ago, he set about reinstituting the Oktoberfest.

Now, for the past four years, he and Michigan City Special Events Assistant Eric Williams have put together an Oktoberfest installment, adding more events and attractions each year.

“I love putting on events for the City,” Greetham said. “It’s been emotional seeing the Oktoberfest come back because I made a lot of great memories with my family and friends during previous installments. Everyone was here, and it was the last big party of the summer. I’m very happy that I was the one who could bring it back. I hope coming to this event helps bring back fond memories for the older attendees while helping younger attendees create new ones. There’s a lot of bad things happening in the world right now, and I want each of my events to give people a chance to be together, be happy, and have fun.”

Attendees enjoyed a variety of musical performances including the polka stylings of the EZ Tones, the Celtic music of Brian McClure, and the folk punk stylings of Shrink. This year, Greetham made sure that Together Band, a Motown and funk group that has traditionally performed every Sunday of the Oktoberfest celebration, would be performing in their customary slot. He also adhered to tradition by scheduling blues artist and early member of REO Speedwagon, Duke Tumatoe, to once again perform during a slot on Monday, the final day of the festival.

All Soup’d Up, Impulso Wood Fired Pizza, and Cool Runnings Restaurant & Bar were among the food vendors, while Arnett Construction, Stuff By Mel, and Amelia’s Art numbered among the art, craft, and merchandise vendors.

Mike Thompson, co-owner of the Dr. Vegetable food trailer alongside his wife, participated in Oktoberfest for many years before its hiatus and has been a vendor at all four installments since its return.

“This event is a win-win for everyone in the community,” Thompson said. “This event has always been a lot of fun. Everybody here is friendly. It’s about family, and it is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the outdoors before the weather changes. It’s just a matter of time before Terry gets the Oktoberfest back to where it was in its heyday. I hope more people come out and support it.”

Jennifer Hughes, owner of the Angelic Art 719 booth and a dental hygienist, has also been participating in the event. She produces recyclable wall art creations using broken bottles, sand, pebbles, and dried flowers.

“My goal is to provide people with art that is real, affordable, and unique,” Hughes said. “Oktoberfest is a great opportunity for me to do so. Oktoberfest offers visitors a chance to experience much of what Michigan City has to offer, all in one place. The city always does such a good job organizing this event. I love it!”

Carolina Flores, owner of the La Patrona and Frozen Delights food trucks, is a longtime Oktoberfest participant and has returned to support it during each of the four latest installments.

“This is an important event for our community,” Flores said. “The fact that we put this event on means a lot to the people of Michigan City. Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, the city’s Park’s Department, and both Terry and Eric have been supportive of our businesses. I view events like this as opportunities for me to give back in return for all of the support I have received over the years.”

Please visit michigancityin.gov for City of Michigan City municipal updates and more information on the city’s upcoming events.