Countdown to Oktoberbest: Reason #1 -- Gemütlichkeit!

And our Countdown to Oktoberfest ends here, just hours before 5 p.m., Friday, when the Saline fall festival begins.

The #1 reason to visit Oktoberfest and Harvest of the Arts? Gemütlichkeit.

"It's a great German word that sums up the cordiality and friendliness of Saline," according to Rebecca Schneider, a member of the Saline Main Street board and Oktoberfest volunteer. "There really isn't a single word in the English language that expresses this feeling. It means a situation that induces a cheerful mood, peace of mind, with connotation of belonging and social acceptance, coziness and unhurry."

So come on down to downtown Saline Friday and Saturday to experience Gemütlichkeit with your family, friends and neighbors.

Tonight's highlights include the Hammerschlagen tournament at 8 p.m. and the Biergarten Activity that begins at 5 p.m. and includes live music from Frankenmuda Fratz’n and George Bedard with Drivin’ Sideways.

COUNTDOWN TO OKTOBERFEST: REASON #10 - MEN WEARING LEDERHOSEN!

COUNTDOWN TO OKTOBERFEST: REASON #9 -- HAMMERSCHLAGEN! CAN YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD?

COUNTDOWN TO OKTOBERFEST: REASON #8 -- GET ELECTRIFIED!

COUNTDOWN TO OKTOBERFEST: REASON #7 -- THE CHILI CHALLENGE!

COUNTDOWN TO OKTOBERFEST: REASON #6 -- KINDERPLATZ! HEY KIDS, IT’S A ZOO AND MORE!

COUNTDOWN TO OKTOBERFEST: REASON #5 -- BIER GARTEN AND GERMAN FOOD!

COUNTDOWN TO OKTOBERFEST: REASON #4 -- PURE ENTERTAINMENT

COUNTDOWN TO OKTOBERBEST: REASON #3 -- YOU GOTTA HAVE ART!

COUNTDOWN TO OKTOBERBEST: REASON #2 -- FRIENDSHIP, NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR AND NATION TO NATION

More News from Saline

• Special Features at Saline Emagine in May Saline Emagine will host open caption, sensory friendly and dementia friendly films in May.
• Marvin Fogle: 1944-2024 Marvin R. Fogle Jr., 79, of Edinburg, Texas, died Thursday afternoon, February 1, 2024, at home.