MEDIA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
43rd Annual Octoberfest Returns to Downtown Cleveland October 10 and 11
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CLEVELAND, Mississippi -- Octoberfest will once again bring music, food, and community spirit to Downtown Cleveland on Friday and Saturday, October 10 and 11. The 43rd Annual event promises a whole weekend of entertainment, family activities, and award-winning barbecue.
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The celebration begins Friday at 5:30 p.m. with the Lighting of the Grill. Delta State University President Dr. Dan Ennis will join the spirited Fighting Okra to officially start the festivities in honor of DSU’s Centennial year. This moment also signals the beginning of the Memphis Barbecue Network-sanctioned competition, which serves as the finale of the Delta BBQ Brawl circuit. Teams will compete for nearly $13,000 in prize money.
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Friday’s music begins at 6:00 p.m. with Ava Fratesi on the Cannon Motors Stage. At 7:00 p.m., headliner Joe Garcia and The Big Guns will take the stage to close out the evening. Guests may also enjoy Wicker’s Tour of Champions, sponsored by Jeff Jones. This popular event allows attendees to sample championship barbecue and help select winners. Tickets for the Tour of Champions and the new VIP Area are available at octoberfestms.com. The VIP Area will feature exclusive demonstrations, premium seating, and televisions with college football streaming throughout the day.
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Saturday begins at 8:30 a.m. with a crafts area hosted by Delta Arts Alliance. Children and families can enjoy hands-on activities. Community entertainment begins at 9:30 a.m. with local dance and gymnastics groups. The music lineup will continue through the day with performances by the 41st Army Band, Doc and The Refills, and The Cuz Band.
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More than 100 arts and crafts vendors will showcase their work from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Food and concessions will be available all weekend. A children’s area will be open both Friday and Saturday. The announcement of the barbecue competition winners will take place between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday evening.
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“This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and volunteers,” said Robert Maxwell, President of the Cleveland Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce. “Octoberfest is a shining example of how our community comes together to celebrate and enjoy the best of Cleveland.”
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More reasons to visit Cleveland that weekend
Octoberfest is only part of the excitement. The Bologna Performing Arts Center will host country music favorites Little Texas on Thursday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m., giving visitors even more opportunities to enjoy live entertainment during their stay.
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Official Octoberfest merchandise including t shirts, hats, and stickers is now available at octoberfestms.com.
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For more information visit octoberfestms.com or contact the Cleveland Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce at 662 843 2712.