The Galion Oktoberfest will look a little different when guests arrive for the event that runs Thursday to Saturday.
That’s because the rides have been moved and the main stage has been eliminated, according to Travis Wolford, the event’s organizer.
“It’s going to look pretty different,” Wolford said.
The 2023 Galion Oktoberfest begins 3 p.m. Thursday with an opening ceremony at the gazebo on the city’s public square.
Square will look different for 2023 Oktoberfest
The square will still be the center of the festival this year, but a large tent with tables and chairs will replace the event’s main stage.
“That was something that people have been requesting is just somewhere to sit down and eat,” Wolford said.
The rides have been moved away from Harding Way and onto South Market Street for the 2023 Oktoberfest.
“That way we can have the parade go straight through town instead of turning on the square,” Wolford said.
The festival’s parade begins 4 p.m. Saturday near Boston Street and will head east along Harding Way to the Galion Big Four Depot on Washington Street.
Three stages will offer entertainment each day of the 2023 Galion Oktoberfest.
The Galion VFW will have a stage at 229 S. Market St. that will feature Kicking Grass at 8 p.m. Thursday and House at 10 p.m. Thursday. Rolling Hams will play at 8 p.m. Friday and Straight Out Of Cleveland at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Planet 14 will have a stage a 137 Harding Way E. Featured acts will be: Valhalla, 7 p.m. Thursday; Ramjet, 5 p.m. Friday; Groovehound, 6 p.m. Friday; Blindsided, 8 p.m. Friday; Everything Taken, 10 p.m. Friday; Arthur Writes; 1 p.m. Saturday; Wanted Alien, 3 p.m. Saturday; Headspace, 5:30 p.m. Saturday; Through The Veil, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and Coops Nightmare, 9 p.m. Saturday.
The gazebo at the city’s square will feature several gospel acts Thursday. After the opening ceremony, Pastor Heather McLeod will take the stage at 3:15 p.m. Thursday, Rhema Hershberger & Friends at 4 p.m. Thursday, Stones Cry Out at 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Set Apart at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, The Warriors at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Matt Eichorn at 7 p.m. Thursday, the pageant presentation will be at 8 p.m. Thursday, and Keagan Nicholaides at 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
The gazebo will host several events the rest of the festival.
“It’s kind of like the central spot,” Wolford said.
There will be an elephant walk at 4 p.m. Friday, pumpkin sweep at 5 p.m. Friday, card ninja at 6 p.m. Friday, scarecrow build at 8 p.m. Friday, Whiz Bang science show at noon Saturday, corn cob build at 1 p.m. Saturday, “Minute To Win It” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Whiz Bang science show at 3 p.m. Saturday, pumpkin ring toss at 6 p.m. Saturday, leaf pumpkin relay at 7 p.m. Saturday and an obstacle course at 8 p.m. Saturday.
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