SOLON — Oktoberfest is an annual festival originating in Munich, Germany (Bavaria) and traditionally held between mid-tolate September and the first Sunday in October.

Saturday, Sept. 28, Oktoberfest comes to Solon in an afternoon and evening of music, food, games, and beer benefiting the Solon Fire Department.

“It’s something new,” said Solon Firefighter Greg Morris. While the all-volunteer department has held an annual street dance as a fundraiser, this year they were presented with a unique opportunity.

“Jason Buffington (Buff’s GAMEDAY) approached us about partnering up. Every year we have a street dance but this will be something different, it’s more of a music fest.”

Solon’s own Trophy Dads kick off the entertainment from 12:30-2:30 p.m. followed by Solon’s Mill Creek Band from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Boot Jack Band out of Cedar Rapids takes the stage at 5:30 p.m. (playing until 8:00 p.m.) and local favorite Molly Shannon performs in Buff’s, 8:0011:00 p.m. DJ Curtis will be on-site and cranking out the tunes all day as well.

“The Legion is going to have something after 8:00 p.m.,” said Morris. “The Legion, Buff’s and El Sol are working together to help with food and we’re shutting half of Main Street down. We’re encouraging everyone to bring their favorite lawn chairs and we’ll have some picnic tables out there.”

Buff’s, he added, will be featuring some special Oktoberfest beers and there will be a keg of root beer for the kids (who get in for free). Also, the $10/person is good for entire event with wristbands given out for those who leave and wish to come back later. As a first-time event, Morris anticipates challenges will arise throughout the day. “We just ask that everybody be patient. We’ll muddle through it together, we’ll make it work, and as people come in…if they have suggestions for us to make it better, let us know.”

Funds from the event will help with the department’s budget, which faced a challenge in the form of an increase in the cost of insurance. Unlike other entities, the fire department cannot raise it’s tax levy. “We’re at a capped dollar amount,” explained Morris. “Insurance has to come out of our annual budget. So, if something comes up between now and June 30 (end of the fiscal year), funds raised through this event may allow us to pay for it (a piece of equipment, for example) instead of having to budget it for next year.” Morris reiterated appreciation for the community’s generosity toward the fire department.

“Come one, come all, we’ll all be here to have fun.”