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The New London Partnership worked tirelessly to produce the first ever Oktoberfest in New London. The original Oktoberfest celebrated the wedding of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese in 1810. In New London, the celebration notes the beginning of the Fall season, is a fundraiser and is designed as a family affair including much more than food and beer. This year all the proceeds will go to the New London City Park Playground.

Saturday, October 4, dawned with perfect weather. Two events began the day full of fun and activities. The New London Lions Club served breakfast in the park. All the food prepared by the Club was consumed by hungry visitors. The New London Partnership held the first ever 5K run/walk with a route through town which encouraged the community to cheer the runners on.

During the afternoon, Main Street was closed. Activities galore enticed families to come out, have a great time, and help support a fantastic cause! At 2:30, the Cornhole Bags Tournament sponsored by LJ Tap and the New London Partnership began. A fine breeze helped abate the warmth but made the bag tosses more challenging.

The New London Masonic Lodge, New London IOOF Lodge and New London Eastern Star cooked a dinner sponsored by the Mount Pleasant Hy-Vee. Dinner was held at the City Park Shelter House. Fall staples of hot dogs and hamburgers were enjoyed by all. The meal was Free Will Donation.

On Main Street from 5-7 Kid’s activities were provided by many community organizations. Many of the creative activities used pumpkins. There was a fee of $5 per person or $20 per family for the games. Pumpkin Painting (sponsored by Appleberry Farms & Grow N Glow); Jumbo Jenga (sponsored by New London Community School District); Tic Tac Toe & Poke-a-Ghost (sponsored by Simply Golden Designs); 9 Square Game (sponsored by NLCC Filling Station); as well as Ring Toss & More! (sponsored by New London Area Partnership & New London Casey’s) were all available keeping youngsters busy and happy.

The day ended with Live Music and a Street Dance! From 7-10 p.m. LJ’s Tap and The Electric Koolaid Trio provided lively tunes and the opportunity for dancers to show their best moves. Of course more Oktoberfest goodies were available – pretzels and apple-flavored treats to name a few. LJ’s Tap wrapped up the night with karaoke.

A huge thank you is due to all of the following sponsors: New London Masonic Lodge’, New London 100F Lodge. New London Eastern Star, New London Lions Club. New London VFW AUX 7641. Grow N Glow, NLCC Filling Station, New London Area Partnership. City of New London. Lorber Insurance Agency, LJ'S Tap House. New London School District, Mount Pleasant Hy-Vee, New London Caseys, Appleberry Farms, and Simply Golden Designs.

One can hardly wait for Oktoberfest 2026. The First New London Oktoberfest has set a nigh standard.