German party with family-friendly activities in newly improved historic square
McKINNEY, Texas (Sept. 24, 2008) – Historic Downtown McKinney will welcome visitors to the first annual Oktoberfest event this weekend with newly paved streets, wider sidewalks and new trees and landscaping. McKinney Main Street presents the popular German festival from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.
The family-friendly event begins at 10 a.m., and the party gets going with the official tapping of the keg at 11 a.m. Children’s activities, food, drinks and live music continue throughout the day and night.
“McKinney is excited to host the first Oktoberfest celebration in Historic Downtown. The newly renovated city center is the perfect location for a fun, family-oriented event,” said Main Street Program Director Ty Lake. “Our merchants, city leaders and organizations have come together to throw a great party to welcome everyone back to our improved, but still charming, downtown.”
A special highlight of the day will be the Weenie dog and want-to-be Weenie Dog races, held at 1:30 and 3 p.m. off of South Kentucky, near Spoons Café. Registration for the races starts at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest, slowest, longest, shortest and best decorated dogs. Mr. and Ms. Oktoberfest will be crowned after the races, judged on overall Oktoberfest spirit like dress, personality, appearance and manners. This event is sponsored by Cadillac Pizza Pub, Cotton Hearts, Reigning Cats and Dogs, Spoons Café and Happiness Is Quilting.
Children can enjoy pony rides, face painting, sand art, bounce houses, teddy bear walk and arts and crafts. Food will include authentic German food, ice cream, sausage on a stick, hot dogs, hamburgers, turkey legs, BBQ sandwiches and more. In addition over a dozen downtown eateries will offer their daily menu items in addition to German specials throughout the event.
Sponsors for the event include Legacy Bank, Pat Lobb Toyota, Frito Lay, Warsteiner, Franconia Brewing Company, Day 6, McKinneyNews.Net, Bavarian Grill, Aparicio's, McKinney Convention and Visitors Bureau and McKinney Community Development Corporation.
Before the Oktoberfest festivities get underway, downtown visitors can pick up local produce and groceries at the McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square Historic Village at the corner of McDonald (Highway 5) and Anthony. The market is open Saturday through Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to noon.
About Downtown
McKinney features one the oldest authentic and thriving historic downtowns in Texas. The 160-year-old city center continues to serve as a vibrant retail, dining, entertainment and business destination. Downtown offers more than 100 unique shops and more than a dozen unique restaurants, including upscale restaurants featuring award-winning chefs, sandwich shops, outdoor patio dining and neighborhood pubs.
Downtown McKinney also offers an assortment of specialty shops, art galleries featuring the works of local artists, furniture stores, exquisite antique collections, gift shops and apparel boutiques. For more information visit www.downtownmckinney.com
About McKinney
McKinney, Texas, is unique by nature. As the fastest-growing city in the U.S., McKinney has a current population of 120,000. Incorporated in 1848, McKinney celebrates its 160th birthday this year. It is located 30 miles north of Dallas and is the county seat of Collin County. McKinney offers rolling hills, lush trees, a historic downtown square and unique neighborhoods and developments. Visit the city’s Web site at www.mckinneytexas.org.
