T-R FILE PHOTO Oktemberfest, the popular autumn, family event will return to downtown Marshalltown on September 26, 27, 28 and 29.

Tornado damage may have forced Oktemberfest to relocate to the Central Iowa Fairgrounds in 2018, but this year, the popular autumn family event will return to downtown Marshalltown.

“Our board of directors met and it was a unanimous decision that we would bring Oktemberfest back to the downtown area this year — regardless of what happens on the courthouse,” board member Alyce Quastad said. “We’re so pumped up about bringing it back downtown.”

While the board is still mapping out the schedule, Oktemberfest will take place September 26, 27, 28 and 29, which will not conflict with the Marshalltown School District’s homecoming plans. Quastad said Thursday evening will focus on kids’ activities, Friday night will bring the car show and live entertainment, and a Saturday morning parade will travel down Main Street.

“Everybody loves the tradition. It’s better parking and a good viewing area downtown,” she said.

A headliner band, yet to be determined, will perform Saturday night.

Food vendors and carnival rides and games will also return.

“Last year, we brought in a new carnival, and that same carnival will be returning,” she said. “We had good feedback on that.”

The motorcycle rodeo, which was canceled last year, returns this year.

The planners are going to proceed as if construction barriers in downtown will still be present, though they hope as much of as possible of downtown will be open.

“We’re hoping things will be open as far as we can get to celebrate our future,” she said.

Quastad said more board members are needed to help coordinate the activities and help develop a theme for the 2019 event.

“We do have some new, great people on the board, but we’re wanting to just expand the opportunities,” she said.

Volunteers are also needed.

To learn more about volunteering, board member opportunities and for general questions, Quastad may be reached at aquastad@heartofiowa.net.

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at

641-753-6611 or

sjordan@timesrepublican.com