MANSFIELD — Local residents can celebrate Oktoberfest on Saturday with a seasonal beer rated among the Top 10 in the country.
The Oktoberfest Marzen, created by the Phoenix Brewing Co. at 131 N. Diamond St., recently finished seventh in a national survey done by readers of USA Today.
According to the Readers’ Choice survey, Oktoberfest finished seventh in the voting, which took place over a month-long period.
“When the weather starts to cool, darker and richer beers that pair well with hearty meals become more appealing. Whether you prefer pumpkin spice, apple cider, or Oktoberfest, there’s a fall beer for you. And these 10 fall beers — nominated by an expert panel and voted as the best by our readers — capture the flavors and aromas of the season,” the website said.
Oktoberfest is a rich, sweet, and malty craft brewed with Bavarian lager yeast, according to the Phoenix, which will offer its award-winning beers, live music and Bavarian-inspired fun on Saturday.
Saturday’s schedule includes:
· Taproom and Beer garden open officially with a toast at noon.
· Live Music All Day: Featuring the Groovekeepers at 12:30 pm, Visinata Polka Band at 4 pm, and the Clark Twins at 7:30 pm.
· The Beer Garden will offer a variety of Phoenix beers, including the award-winning Oktoberfest, Ohio Craft Brewers Cup Gold Medal winner-Treffenwolf German IPA, Orange Eyes Pumpkin Lager, and guest taps from local breweries, including Mansfield’s Duality Brewing Company and Galion Brewing.
Cider from Mad Moon Cidery and Sunroom Craft Cocktails from Land Grant Brewing, both from Columbus, and non-alcoholic beers from Athletic and Brewdog are also available.
· The Spirit Room, located above the Phoenix taproom, will open at noon, featuring hand-crafted cocktails and more than 130 bourbons.
· Schmidt’s Sausage Truck will offer traditional German fare, starting at noon.
· Stein-Hoisting state qualifier finals will be at 12:15 p.m. Male and female winners will advance to represent the Phoenix in the Ohio finals in Cincinnati.
· Traditional German Dancing will be performed at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. by the Liederkranz Dancers, Mansfield’s own German Club.
“We’re proud to bring that authentic taste of the season to our community, and we can’t wait to share the experience with everyone,” said Carmone Macfarlane, creative and marketing chair for the Phoenix. “Some say it is the most wonderful time of the year.”
The event is free to attend, and seating is first come, first served. Guests are encouraged to bring friends, wear their best dirndl or lederhosen, and get ready to toast to the season.
For more information about the Oktoberfest celebration, visit: https://www.phoenixbrewing.com/oktoberfest
For more information about USAToday’s 10Best award, please visit: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-fall-seasonal-beer/