The leaves are changing, the bratwursts are sizzling and the beer is flowing for the 51st edition of the Oktoberfest in downtown Seymour.

Hundreds gathered Thursday evening at the Schwätzer’s North Stage near city hall for the opening ceremonies and the crowning of Oktoberfest prince and princess to kick off the most popular weekend in the city.

After the Seymour High School Marching Owls and Guard displayed their musical talents, Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson shared a proclamation declaring Oct. 3-5, 2024, the official days of the Seymour Oktoberfest.

“I call upon all citizens of Seymour and Jackson County, along with all visitors, to join our annual celebration and to reflect upon those many people who are part of our history,” Nicholson proclaimed.

History says the first Seymour Oktoberfest in 1973 almost ended before it even began as a thunderstorm and winds ripped through downtown the afternoon the festival was set to begin. As many booths were torn apart, people regrouped to fix the damage once the storm passed. Thanks to a community effort the first Oktoberfest was officially underway.

History did not repeat itself this year as large amounts of rain and storms travelled through the area a week before the festival. Sunshine and cool breezes made for the classic fall weather that visitors have come to expect in early October.

The first Oktoberfest featured 75 booths, a carnival with rides on Chestnut Street, an antique show, a teen dance, a mayor’s gathering and a biergarten. Today, there are more than 70 booths full of food.

“We remember those who created this wonderful festival in 1973, and we are sure they are proud of the foundation they laid for the City of Seymour to celebrate our area’s German heritage,” Nicholson said.

Since 1950 in Germany, there has been a traditional festival opening: A 12-gun salute and the tapping of the first keg of Oktoberfest beer at 12:00 by the current Mayor of Munich with the cry “O’zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!” in the Austro-Bavarian dialect) opens the Oktoberfest.

Following Nicholson’s proclamation, awards were presented to businesses who decorated their windows for the special occasion along with food and craft booths.

First place for the window decorating award went to Moxie Coffee Co. with Schwätzer’s German Restaurant as runner-up.

The winner of the Best New Booth went to Humble Joe’s Coffee Co. and their mobile coffee trailer. First place for best decorated craft booth went to Shelby Wonder with Blessed Farms as runner-up. For best decorated food truck, Junkyard BBQ coveted first place with St. Ambrose food booth as runner-up.

After awards were presented, it was time to officially crown the 2024 prince and princess of the Oktoberfest.

“I want to thank all the contestants and their parents who worked really hard on this,” said Beth White of the Beta Kappa chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority.

The winners were decided by who raised the most money.

This year’s prince and princess are Waylon Wiese, 6, son of Christina Wiese and Hank Linville, and Ellie Schafstall, 6, daughter of Maggie and Max Schafstall.

Waylon raised $877 and Ellie raised $6,169.29. All money raised will go back to the community. The funds raised through the contest supported Jackson County United Way, Community Provisions of Jackson County, Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry, The Arc of Jackson County, Special Olympics of Jackson County, Su Casa, Trinity Food Pantry and Jamestown Food Pantry last year. The funds also supported Easterseals and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The winners received a bicycle provided by the sorority and a bag full of prizes.

White thanked the sponsors who donated to the event including Walmart, Old National Bank, Subway, Culver’s, Kenna White of Berkshire Hathaway, Freddie’s, McDonalds, Wendy’s and chapter members.

“We appreciate the community for the longstanding support,” White said. “We are dedicated to helping children with disabilities, special needs and all those who are less fortunate.”

Last year’s princess, Abigail Wiese, crowned the new prince and princess before they excitedly mounted their bikes.

Now that Waylon and Ellie are royalty both have decreed some new laws for the City of Seymour.

For Waylon said his first order of business would be that no girls are allowed in the city, including his sister Abigail. Ellie decided to outlaw homework in the city.

After the celebration, Waylon said he was excited to celebrate with some pizza and for Ellie a nice big pretzel.

With a memorable kick-off to a memorable weekend, fun and festivities are guaranteed for the remainder of the Oktoberfest.