After a brief hiatus due to the challenges of the pandemic, St. John the Baptist School is ready to bring back its cherished Oktoberfest Fall Festival. Expected to be a massive hit, this community gathering aims to be a vibrant expression of unity and joy.
“St. John the Baptist School in Plattsmouth has hosted a Fall Festival for many years but due to COVID-19 and staffing limitations, we haven’t had a festival for the last couple of years,” shared Cortney MacTaggart, Chair for the Fall Festival. This break in tradition amplifies the excitement around its return. “…we are excited to be able to bring this tradition back and create a community event that will, hopefully, be successful for years to come.”
One significant facet of the festival is its inclusivity. MacTaggart stated, “Everyone is welcome at the event regardless of where they live, go to school, or attend church.” This sentiment captures the welcoming spirit of Plattsmouth, a town described by MacTaggart as having a “huge heart.”
Oktoberfest, the world-renowned German festival, has its roots in Munich, Bavaria, dating back to 1810. It originally marked the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Over the decades, what started as a horse race and modest celebration evolved into a significant beer-centric event, celebrating Bavarian culture, music, dance, and camaraderie. It’s no wonder that this festive spirit has journeyed across the Atlantic, finding a home in various parts of the U.S., including the Cornhusker State – Nebraska.
Plattsmouth Today
This year, the festival is adopting an Oktoberfest theme. Among the attractions are a biergarten, live music from the Old Krusty Minstrels, food trucks, carnival games, raffles, and more. In MacTaggart’s words, “Admission to the Festival itself is free but games and activities will require the purchase of tickets.”
One of the unique attractions this year includes a raffle for a handmade 96” by 96” brown star quilt, crafted by the school’s talented quilting group. The event will also have apple cider doughnuts from Union Orchard, a hot chocolate bar, and a diverse drink selection. According to MacTaggart, the biergarten will feature craft and domestic beer as well as unique beverages like spiked caramel apple cider.
With gratitude, MacTaggart acknowledged the numerous sponsorships that have made the event possible. “…We have been incredibly blessed with sponsorships by many local Plattsmouth businesses for the festival as well as other Omaha-based sponsors.”
This Oktoberfest is not only about enjoyment but also community impact. All proceeds will benefit St. John the Baptist School. “All the funds raised during this event will go directly back to St. John the Baptist School…” MacTaggart confirmed, emphasizing that the funds will help support classroom needs, field trips, and other educational endeavors.
Addressing the balance between festivity and a family-friendly atmosphere, MacTaggart pointed out that the festival’s design has been influenced by those who have experienced Oktoberfest in Germany. She emphasizes, “…this festival has been created with the intention of keeping the family-friendly atmosphere of German Oktoberfest.”
The event is set to begin at 5:00 pm, immediately following a Catholic Mass offered at 4 pm. While COVID-19 safety precautions have been implemented, including hand sanitizing stations, masks are not mandatory. More details below:
Oktoberfest Fall Festival 2023 at St. John the Baptist School, Plattsmouth
- Background and Revival
- Tradition of hosting a Fall Festival paused due to COVID-19 and staffing challenges.
- “St. John the Baptist School…hasn’t had a festival for the last couple of years.” – Cortney MacTaggart.
- Intent is to revitalize the tradition and continue it for the foreseeable future.
- Inclusivity
- Open invitation for everyone, irrespective of residential location, school, or church affiliations.
- Plattsmouth’s spirit highlighted as having a “huge heart.”
- Themed Attractions
- Adopting an Oktoberfest theme.
- Offerings include biergarten, live music, carnival games, raffles, and a photo booth.
- Music by the Old Krusty Minstrels and DJ with classic Oktoberfest songs.
- Raffle for a handmade 96” by 96” brown star quilt.
- Food offerings to feature apple cider doughnuts from Union Orchard and a hot chocolate bar.
- Biergarten beverages to include craft and domestic beer, spiked caramel apple cider, and mixed drinks.
- “…biergarten will feature craft and domestic beer as well as spiked caramel apple cider.” – Cortney MacTaggart.
- Sponsorships and Community Ties
- Sponsored by local Plattsmouth businesses and Omaha-based sponsors.
- Silent auction items from notable establishments like The Omaha Symphony, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, and more.
- “We have been incredibly blessed with sponsorships…” – Cortney MacTaggart.
- Impact on Education
- All proceeds directly benefit St. John the Baptist School.
- Funds earmarked for classroom needs, field trips, Home and School Association, and educational expenses.
- Tips collected to be given to the teachers of St. John’s as a gesture of gratitude.
- Family-friendly Atmosphere
- Modeled after the family-friendly atmosphere of Germany’s Oktoberfest.
- “…this festival has been created with the intention of keeping the family-friendly atmosphere of German Oktoberfest.” – Cortney MacTaggart.
- Activities and games available for kids and adults alike, ensuring something for everyone.
- Logistics and Safety
- Event kickstarts at 5:00 pm, right after the Catholic Mass at 4 pm.
- On-site parking available; pets encouraged to stay home.
- COVID-19 safety precautions in place with hand sanitizing stations.
- Attendees can choose to wear masks.
- For More Information
- STJBCatholic Facebook Page for the festival.
- Official school website: www.stjbcatholic.com.
