The German Heritage Exhibit at Peoria’s Oktoberfest is a collection of historical and cultural treasures that trace past generations of Germans who now call this area home. 

This year’s exhibit includes genealogy searches with the Peoria County Genealogical Society, video presentations, German language lessons for all ages, and a reading library. You can also get more information about Friends of Friedrichshafen, Peoria’s Sister City. 

This exhibit is widely proclaimed as one of the best German Heritage displays across the country. 

With the firing of the cannon the opening ceremony features a parade through d’Wies’n with participants donning German tracht carrying the flags of the German states and members of the Peoria Schutzenverein declaring the fest open with a rifle salute.

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What is Steinholding?

Steinholding or Masskrugstemmen is a traditional Bavarian strength contest where competitors hold a full one-liter beer Stein out in front of their bodies with a straight arm, parallel to the ground. Whoever holds for the longest with good form is the winner.

We have joined with the US Steinholding Association as a qualifying venue for the inaugural 2024 Illinois State Championship.

The state final will be held on Sat. Oct 12th at Destihl Brewery in Normal, IL. The winner of that competition (one man and one woman) will receive over $500 worth of prizes!

Do you have what it takes to be crowned the first Illinois State Champion?

*visit www.ussteinholding.com for complete list or rules

Join us for fun, laughter, races and a dachshund costume contest.

Prizes will be awarded!

When: Saturday September 21, 2024

Races start Saturday at 1:30pm
Finals at 4:30pm

Costume judging at 2:30pm

What: A race from one end of an enclosed grass track to the other.

What is Nagelspiel?

Also known as the Nail Game, Nagelbalken, or der Nagelspiel, this game is played by tapping nails into a log and then taking turns swinging a hammer at them. The goal is to drive the nail flush with the wood, and the last player to do so loses.

The log sawing competition is an event where competitors race against the clock to saw through a log as fast as possible.

Whether you are competing or want to cheer the competitors on, come over to the cross-cut log sawing competition The saw is provided, and no experience is necessary – training is provided!! 

• First started at GACS fests at Hickory Grove Park in 2000
• Started at Oktoberfest in 2003

·Sunday 10:30am – 11:30am

• Catholic Mass
  Location – d’ Wies’n
  
  
• Reformation Worship Service (Redeemer Presbyterian)
  Location – Gateway Building (outside)

Bring the kids over to enjoy our ‘Children’s Place’ (kinderplatz). This dedicated fun zone will make sure the littles will have as much fun as you do!