The leaves changing from green to gold and the crisp, cool breezes can only mean one thing — it's time for the Moody Area Chamber of Commerce's second annual Oktoberfest.This year's Oktoberfest is set for Oct. 29 at the Moody City Park. The event is free to the public and gates open at 10 a.m.
"This is going to be a wonderful family event," Chamber executive director Mia Newman said.
Newman said a variety of events is scheduled for the entertainment stage including cheerleading and karate demonstrations as well as contemporary Christian music and country music.
"We are going to announce our photogenic beauty contest winners around 1 p.m." Newman said.
Newman said food vendors from across the state will also attend Oktoberfest to bring a variety of tastes to the event. She said there will be ribbon fries, snow cones, and other goodies to eat.
"There will also be arts and crafts vendors from all over," Newman said. "There are also going to be some from Tennessee and Georgia."
Newman said crafts will include some of the newest fashion rages such as fancy purses and flip-flops, oil paintings, wood working and much more.
For the kids, hay rides and train rides are throughout the day. There will also be a rock-climbing wall and Moonwalks.
"There will be plenty of children's activities, games and face painting," Newman said.
"We encourage parents to bring their children in costume to trick or treat with our vendors. Each vendor will have candy for the children from 4-6 p.m."
Newman said the chamber office has received "a bunch" of calls from people who are new to the Moody area and want information on Oktoberfest.
"They all tell me they are very excited about the event and plan to bring their children," she said. "That is what Oktoberfest is — a community, family-friendly event for all ages."
The Chamber Ambassadors, select students from Moody High School, will also attend Oktoberfest to help vendors and visitors alike with information and directions.
Even though admission to Oktoberfest is free, Newman said the Chamber is accepting donations at the gate for the Ocean Springs, Miss. Chamber of Commerce whose office was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
"The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce has adopted the Ocean Springs chamber," Newman said. "Their office was destroyed by the hurricane. They have nothing left. We are collecting donations to help them get back on their feet. They need office supplies and everything else."
Newman said anyone wishing to donate to the Oceans Springs Chamber of Commerce may do so at the gate when they enter Oktoberfest.