The 2018 Fountain Hills Oktoberfest returns for the 11th time Sept. 28 and 29.

Featuring the expected activities, including “Die Echten Waldbuam,” the Oktoberfest band flown in from Germany, the keg tapping, costume contests and traditional food, organizers also are exploring the idea of a new feature.

Oktoberfest Organizer Christine Colley has been meeting with representatives from Beamin Lasers to bring a laser light show to Oktoberfest.

“We are waiting approval from the FAA,” Colley said. “We are very hopeful we can add this exciting new part to Oktoberfest.”

The band celebrates its 11th appearance at the Fountain Hills Oktoberfest. These professional musicians enjoy entertaining their Arizona fans with their folk and contemporary music.

Just as is done in Bavaria, the mayor will kick off the Oktoberfest on Friday, Sept. 28, with the official keg tapping ceremony at 6:45 p.m. at Fountain Park. Town Mayor Linda Kavanagh will do the honors of tapping the keg. She will officially open the 11th Fountain Hills Oktoberfest by announcing “O Zapft is,” with a perfect Bavarian accent. (“It’s been tapped, let the festivities begin.”)

Fountain Hills’ celebration keeps with the historical Bavarian tradition with a German band, mouthwatering brats, schnitzels, apple strudel, pretzels, sauerkraut, potato pancakes and German potato salad all prepared with secret recipes. Fountain Hills claims the best Oktoberfest food in the Valley.

The bier is brewed in Germany. Choices include the traditional Oktoberfest bier, Pilsner Dunkel (dark) and König, Ludwig’s award-winning Hefeweizen.

Attendees may compete for fun and prizes in the not-to-miss famous bier stein holding competition, best dressed Oktoberfest competition and the Alphorn blowing contest. Everyone in the traditional attire can participate in the “Best Dressed Oktoberfest” recognition.

Christine Colley said she takes great pride in involving local service organizations who assist in various areas. The local Elks Club will prepare the brats, sauerkraut and schnitzels. Local chef Erik at the Fireside Grill will prepare the German potato salad and the famous apple strudel using secret German recipes. The Sister Cities team will serve the strudel. Rotarians will serve pretzels, soft drinks and the beer.

The Noon Kiwanis team will staff the entrance gates and ticket sales. There will be two entrances and three ticket booths. All food and drinks will be sold with tickets only.

Fountain View Village volunteers will be ready to roam the streets to provide rides and handicap support from parking to and from the event with Desert Canyon supplying the golf carts.

Proceeds from the event benefit service groups and local charities that include the food bank as well as high school and veteran projects.

Oktoberfest will be open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. both days of the event.

Entrance fee is $5, kids under 12 are free. Wear a dirndl or lederhosen and the entrance fee is waived. Food and drink tickets are $1 each. Prices vary for culinary selections.

The Fountain Hills Oktoberfest is hosted by Fountain Events, Inc., a not for profit organization.