Deadwood Oktoberfest keeping traditions alive

DEADWOOD, S.D. — No matter where you looked.

We’ve had a really good turnout – main street is completely full,” said Lee Harstad, the Executive Director of the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce.

The Oktoberfest celebration in Deadwood had hundreds – along for the party.

“It’s just been a fun thing to come to and we really enjoy it,” said Joe Ewing, visiting from Nebraska.

With its German food cookoffs and polka music – everyone – especially including those who dressed the part – had a brew with Deadwood’s official event cup.

“Of course Oktoberfest wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without beer, so we do have a open container throughout the weekend until 10:00 o’clock here tonight and people can walk around and enjoy a nice cold Oktoberfest sort of brew,” Harstad said.

Hundreds – cheering on – as the the annual Beer Barrel Games got underway.

Participants have made it a habit to keep coming back.

“We’ve been doing it for about 11 years now,” Ewing said. “So we just decided to go ahead and come. On back and see if we can. Win it again. We wanted two years first. Time was in 2016. And then last year we wanted.”

And regardless of what’s kept them coming back and seeing the changes, it became event more important to for last years winners to come back this year – after their mother in law passed earlier this week.

“She passed away from COVID just Monday, so it was a tough decision to come back, you know, so we did and we’re going to win this one for her hopefully,” said Gilbert Carrizales, from Nebraska.

Creating and celebrating a tradition that’s bringing more and more people together.