SIDNEY, Neb. —The Sidney City Council approved a request for Illinois Street to be closed off for the city's annual Oktoberfest parade.

Parade chair Christine Radke attended the city council meeting to ask the council for permission to contact the Nebraska Department of Transportation to close Illinois Street/Highway 30 for Oktoberfest.

The city council approved the request and will contact the NDOT for permission for the closure of Highway 30 between the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Fort Sidney Road from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Radke said she is looking forward to the event.

“Really excited and hoping the weather stays great,” Radke said. “I hope we get a lot of participation in it.”

The city staff will place all required barricades and detour signage in order to have all streets accessing Illinois Street closed for the parade and will follow directly behind the parade removing all barricades and opening Illinois Street back to normal traffic.

Councilman Burke Radcliffe mentioned it would appear nice if the new light poles would be up on the road in time for the parade.

City Manager David Scott said he cannot confirm whether the light poles would be shipped and ready in time for the parade.

While speaking about the new light poles, Mayor Roger Gallaway mentioned ordering new banners.

“I was approached by a number of people about doing a banner program where you can display different banners for exposure for different events,” Gallaway said.

The council agreed to discuss when the light poles will arrive and their options with the banner for the light poles in a future meeting.