By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer

(Oct. 13, 2022) The Berlin Oktoberfest and Sidewalk Sale are back in full swing Saturday, after two years marked by covid precautions.

“It’s on,” said Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said. “It’s on. It’s Oktoberfest in Berlin just as you remember.”

The fall beer festival kicks off at 11 a.m. and wraps at 4 p.m. in downtown Berlin and features local merchant stands and racks, German-style cuisine, children’s arts and crafts, two stages for live music — one for the Edelweiss Band in front of the Atlantic Hotel and the other by Sterling Tavern for local outfit The Dunehounds — and, of course, plenty of beer. The two bands anchored the event last year as well.

The Edelweiss Band’s set is sponsored by Burley Oak Tavern while Sterling Tavern sponsors The Dunehounds’ set.

Most of the merchants at the event are local businesses setting up shop on the sidewalk in front of their stores but food and drink vendors will be lined up too.

“All of your favorite Berlin merchants will have tables outside,” Wells added.

Food on-hand will include brats, knockwurst, pretzels, German chocolate cake and more. Mead will be available as well.

Wells mentioned that Island Creamery will feature a German chocolate cake-flavored ice cream.

This year will feature Scales and Tails, the locally famous animal exhibit from Assateague State Park.

Face painting and the children’s arts and crafts are back in-person, too. Last year, event organizers elected to limit many of the more hands-on activities because of the continuing pandemic.

Individual beers will be available for purchase via $5 tickets.

Parking is available at the Berlin Intermediate School, with a shuttle sponsored by Ocean Downs Casino busing patrons to and from the event from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“It’s Oktoberfest in Berlin,” Wells said. “Where else could you possibly want to celebrate Oktoberfest?”