Former Mayor Jay Schlum has been designated as Fountain Hills Oktoberfest Ambassador for the event, from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Sept. 28 and 29, in Fountain Park.

Christine Colley, founder of the not-for-profit sponsoring organization, Fountain Events, Inc., explained the honor.

“Jay consistently promotes everything great about Fountain Hills,” Colley said. “He has also developed a skill in beer tasting and, by visiting beer festivals in and out of the state, he continues to broaden his knowledge and skill around the art of beer, which makes him the perfect candidate for the Fountain Hills Oktoberfest Ambassador.”

Schlum is the Chamber of Commerce’s Business Person of the Year.

The family-friendly event celebrating German traditions will mark its 11th year.

A band flies in from Germany, the famous Warsteiner Oktoberfest beer is shipped in and mouthwatering foot-long brats, hot dogs, schnitzel, homemade potato pancakes, strudel, sauerkraut and potato salad will tempt the taste buds.

Guests wearing dirndls and lederhosen are admitted free. The entry fee is $5 or free for anyone 20 years old and under.

Attendees can compete for fun and prizes in the bier stein holding competition, best dressed and Alphorn blowing contest. Clucky, the chicken host mascot, will entertain the crowd and get people to join in the “chicken dance.” A children’s play area is free.

Space is still available for vendors and sponsors. If interested, contact Colley at 480-235-7134 or cdkcolley@gmail.com.