Woosterfest's 42nd edition kicks off downtown Sept. 26

Fall is in the air, and the wiener dogs are in training — it’s time for the 42nd annual Woosterfest, held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27 in downtown Wooster. The area’s Oktoberfest-style festival, held from noon to 11 p.m. on Friday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, is organized by the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce, and the free, two-day celebration offers something for all ages.

“Woosterfest (draws people) from all over to enjoy our beautiful shops, restaurants, activities and downtown area,” said Sarah McFarland, the event coordinator for Wooster’s chamber.

The festival offers contests for those with a competitive spirit, activities for kids, live entertainment in a variety of genres, and an extensive beer and wine selection.

“Animal lovers can enjoy the wiener dog race, and if anyone needs a fair-food fix, there are a variety of food vendors sure to satisfy any craving,” McFarland said. “We also bring in German food vendors including Schmidt’s from Columbus to offer authentic foods that fit the German inspiration behind the event.”

Over 40 art and craft vendors will offer everything from jewelry to baked goods and, of course, wiener dog accessories.

Friday night will feature the cornhole tournament, stein holding competition and PG’s Pig Mac eating competition.

Stein holding is a friendly, fast-paced competition where two team members carry six steins down a race lane covered in obstacles in an attempt to fill the container faster than their opponents, said Samira Zimmerly, president and CEO of the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce.

Pig Mac involves eating a combination of mac and cheese, pulled pork, and barbecue sauce. Some events are solo, and others see teams returning every year hoping to reclaim their titles.

The wiener dog race on Saturday always draws a large crowd. The costumed event is shown on screens in the biergarten and livestreamed on Facebook. Saturday’s sausage toss has a two-person team doing just that — tossing a sausage back and forth, catching it in an apron. Hammerschlagen is a new, relay-style event involving hitting a nail into a log. Also on Saturday, the Weinermobile will make an appearance starting at 11 a.m.

“The Beer Stein Race caps off the contests for the weekend when teams of two race through an obstacle course to fill the barrel faster than their opponents,” McFarland said.

“We give out prizes and bragging rights for all competitions. Some even have traveling trophies,” Zimmerly said.

Activities for kids of all ages include inflatables, crafts, pumpkin decorating and a free throw contest. The variety of live music will entertain throughout the event.

Most festival contests require advance registration, occasionally allowing last-minute walk-ins if the event isn’t full. Details, schedules and sign-up information for Woosterfest events may be found online at www.woosterfest.com and on Facebook.

“This event would not be possible without the help of our amazing committee who are at the event all weekend with the chamber staff, ensuring the event runs smoothly,” Zimmerly said. “We also could not do this without the incredible generosity of the sponsors who support Woosterfest.

"It’s a fun-filled celebration for all ages, featuring live music, local flavors and kids activities — the perfect way to welcome fall with the community.”