Oktoberfest takes over Vail Village for three more days of beer, brats and Bavarian boogie

Vail Oktoberfest returns this weekend (Sept. 16-18) for three more days of the world's most popular party, done Vail-style.

In addition to Bavarian music and dancing, traditional fare, yodeling, alpenhorn blowing and beverages from Beck's and Jagermeister, the weekend's festivities will include live music from Helmut Fricker & the Rhinelanders, a free concert on Saturday night from Brown Chicken Brown Cow String Band and crowd favorites Beck's Keg Bowling and the Klement's Bratwurst Eating Contests.

Entertainment and Fun

Beck's Keg Bowling returns on both Saturday and Sunday, giving all interested competitors (including the ladies!) the chance to hurl a keg shell on wheels down the lane at a pyramid of keg shells with the intention of bringing down the pile. There is no cost to participate in the game, butcontestants must be at least 21 years old. Competitors can sign up each day at the Oktoberfest token booth nearest to the stage.

Saturday and Sunday in Vail Village will also see the return of the Klement's Bratwurst Eating Contests, where the immensely hungry battle it out to see who can down the most brats in three minutes. There is no cost to participate in the contests, which happen both days, and competitors can sign up at the Oktoberfest token booth nearest to the stage. Participants of all ages are invited to participate in the Klement's Bratwurst Eating Contests.

Vail Oktoberfest in Vail Village will also feature plenty of traditional music from Oktoberfest favorites Helmut Fricker & the Rhinelanders, performances by Bavarian dancers, a kids' area with entertainers and much more.

Exclusive Oktoberfest Lodging Package

The Sonnenalp Resort of Vail, a resort steeped in richBavarian tradition, has put together two exclusive lodging packages for guests coming to Vail to take in beauty of fall and the energy of the Oktoberfest festival.

$245 per night includes

· A stay in a junior suite

· 2 Official Oktoberfest beer steins and 6 tokens

· Discounted parking at $15/day

$475 per night includes

· A stay in a junior suite

· Breakfast for 2 guests

· Oktoberfest themed 3-course dinner for 2 in theSwiss Chalet

· 2 Official Oktoberfest beer steins and 6 tokens

· Discounted parking at $15/day

Both packages are based on double occupancy and tax is not included. Visit www.sonnenalp.com to reserve or call (970) 476-5656.

For more information on Vail Oktoberfest and a full schedule of events, visit www.vail-oktoberfest.com.

Vail Oktoberfest is presented by Beck's, Town of Vail and Jagermeister and sponsored in part by the Sonnenalp Resort of Vail, Arrowhead Water, Klement's Sausage Company, Sports Authority, Loki, Ace Hardware, A Sterling Affair, Vail Psychic, Vail Daily and KZYR the Zephyr.

Vail Oktoberfest 2011 in Vail Village – Schedule of Events

Friday, September 16 – Vail Village – 5-10 p.m.

5 p.m. Vail's 2011 Oktoberfest Opens to Public

6 p.m. Helmut Fricker & the Rhinelanders

10 p.m. Oktoberfest Closes for the Day

Saturday, September 17 – Vail Village – 12-10 p.m.

12 p.m. Vail's 2011 Oktoberfest Opens to Public

12-2 p.m. Helmut Fricker & the Rhinelanders

12-5 p.m. Kids Area with Entertainer Open

1-2 p.m. Bavarian Dancers Perform

2-2:30 p.m. Klement's Bratwurst Eating Contest

2:30-4 p.m. Helmut Fricker & the Rhinelanders

2:30-4 p.m. Bavarian Dancers Perform

4-5 p.m. Beck's Adult Keg Bowling Contest

5-6 p.m. Rhinelanders Trio

6-9:30 p.m. Brown Chicken Brown Cow String Band

10 p.m. Oktoberfest Closes for the Day

Sunday, September 18 – Vail Village – 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

9 a.m. Oktoberfest Fun Run Benefiting the Children's Garden of Learning

12 p.m. Vail's 2011 Oktoberfest Opens to Public

12-2 p.m. Helmut Fricker & the Rhinelanders

12-5 p.m. Kids Area with Entertainer Open

1-2 p.m. Bavarian Dancers Perform

2-2:30 p.m. Klement's Bratwurst Eating Contest

2:30-4 p.m. Helmut Fricker & the Rhinelanders

2:30-4 p.m. Bavarian Dancers Perform

4-5 p.m. Beck's Adult Keg Bowling Contest

5-6 p.m. Rhinelanders Trio

6 p.m. Oktoberfest 2011 Concludes