SIDNEY, Neb. — Organizers of Sidney’s 51st annual Oktoberfest are gearing up for this year’s event, but they say more volunteers are needed to help make it a success.

A group of 22 people gathered at the City of Sidney Transportation Office Thursday evening to discuss plans for the festival, which is scheduled for Oct. 3-5, 2025. Board members and current volunteers outlined their responsibilities and tasks required to prepare for the weekend celebration.

Despite board members choosing to stay on, volunteer shortages remain a challenge. The Wiener Dog Races, entertainment, parade and tent committees are all in need of additional manpower.

Board President Sally Harris expressed gratitude for the support from the city and county but emphasized the need for additional hands.

“We need more help. We need volunteers," Harris said. "This is a labor of love, and if we don’t have people to step up and help, it will go away."

New volunteers who stepped up Thursday include Donna Juelfs, Toshia Jones, Andrew Lenzen, Eric Pool, Michelle Billups and Tammy Segelke. Organizers hope more people will come forward to help lighten the load.

Harris called the meeting a success, noting the enthusiasm of those who stepped up.

“Our board of eight or nine people just get tired. We just need help,” she said. “I love this town, and I love Oktoberfest. I don’t ever want it to die.”

The Oktoberfest Board meets every third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the transportation office, and weekly on Thursdays starting in September leading up to the event.