SIDNEY – Oktoberfest is officially underway in Sidney, bringing a full weekend of food, music and tradition to the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds.

The celebration opened Friday with a dedication to the late Judy Harris, who volunteered at Oktoberfest for nearly five decades, followed by the ceremonial tapping of the keg. 

Sally Harris, president of the Oktoberfest Committee and Judy’s daughter, said the weekend carries extra meaning.

“This will be a culmination of happy and sad,” Harris said. “I told her I wouldn’t let it die. This committee has stepped up beyond belief with my health issues and losing mom. They’ve done phenomenal. They haven’t missed a beat.”

She added that her mother’s memory will remain visible throughout the weekend.

“My mom always had a chair back behind the stage," Harris said. "She’s in most of everybody’s pictures. We put a tribute to her with her lawn chair and a blanket. She always had a blanket, because she was freezing by about 5:00.”

Events continue through Sunday with free live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, a parade downtown, the Cruise ’N Class Rod and Roll Show in Legion Park and the Running of the Wieners.

Visitors can find the full schedule of events and entertainment lineup online at sidneyoktoberfest.org.