(ABOVE: News Channel Nebraska file photo of bagpipers in Sidney Oktoberfest parade)

SIDNEY -- The 50th Oktoberfest celebration is taking shape with the bagpipers, a variety of foods, vendors and of course the "tapping of the keg."

Sally Harris said Sidney's Oktoberfest started as a community event at Legion Park. 

"It started as a Chamber fundraiser, and, from there a committee was ... it was getting too big at the Park, so they needed another organization to take it over. So, some of the founders got together and created the corporation, and it's grown ever since, every year," she said.

The concept of an Oktoberfest in Sidney started when a couple of the founders experienced an Oktoberfest and thought it would fit Sidney.

When the Oktoberfest was at Legion Park, the event was more spread out. The crafts were in the Armory, and at one time in the Shelter House. The attraction of the crafts required the move from the Shelter House to the Armory, according to Christine Radtke. The playground also offered activities for children. 

Harris recalls the park full of kids while the activities in and near the tent kept adults busy.

"During the day, the park was just full of kids. They served beer out of stock tanks. I do remember that. Cans of beer, in the big stock tanks, full of ice water. It was a lot smaller tent as well. But it filled that whole parking lot," she said.

Radtke recalls how the park itself has changed in the 50 years of an Oktoberfest in Sidney.

"It's just so crazy because thinking about it, everything that's at the Park now, was not there; except for the small swing sets and the tornado slide," Radtke said.

Autumn Ramirez says the event continues to evolve with the desires and visions of the community.

"It's turned ... Oktoberfest has kind of turned from what it was in the park -- you know, German-themed -- to now multicultural themed event," she said. 

This year's 50th Sidney Oktoberfest continues the tradition at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds. Events start Friday, October 4 and continue through Sunday, October 6. Saturday morning will be the parade. The weekend will officially begin at noon with a ceremonial "tapping of the keg," followed by live music, and craft vendors showing their wares. The weekend concludes with the annual wiener-dog races.