Oktoberfest And Sausage Fest celebrations bring communities together

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – For many, the end of September marks the beginning of the fall season, and it’s a chance to celebrate.

“Oktoberfests are becoming very popular in the entire area, so we decided to jump on that bandwagon.”

It’s the fourth year for the Moorhead Sausage Fest, and the community came out in droves.

“I like coming out here because my cousins live out here, and I like it here.”

“I came over this year, because I just like to celebrate with my grandma Dorothy. She is my greatest grandma in the entire world.”

Pastor Robert Drake of First Presbyterian in Moorhead said he’s thrilled by the response, and that he loves seeing the community come together.

“Being with all these people who enjoy being with their family, being with their kids, having a beer, enjoying rock and roll music … all those things, they really remind me that God wants us to be together.”

For over 20 years here in Hankinson, people have come together at the beginning of fall for a celebration of German culture at the annual Oktoberfest

“It’s so fun to see people come from out of town, and to see the community come together. It kind of started as a community thank you, and it’s grown over the years.”

Beth Tiegs has been working with the Hankinson Oktoberfest for all 22 years. She says it’s always great to see people come to the small town to enjoy the festivities.

“I like to see people from outside the community come. Today I’m meeting with a friend who came from the cities.”

She added that it also helps them feature the opportunities that people and businesses have in Hankinson.

“You don’t know what you’ve done for your public relations by having people come and see what it’s like to have a small community that gets together, and gets along.”

But whatever their reason for coming to the festivals, Drake says that he’s just happy to see people coming together.

“I love the community of Fargo-Moorhead. I love coming out here. I love the fact that people are just outside on the lawn, in the tent, just enjoying each other’s company, and really just experiencing what it means to be Fargo-Moorhead.”