T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

Oktemberfest returned to downtown Marshalltown Thursday night, kicking the event off with classic attractions and celebrated traditions.

Kyrese Turner, second grade student from Hoglan Elementary School, and Aleah Snyder, second grade student from Woodbury Elementary School, were crowned Little Mr. and Little Miss Oktemberfest.

“I don’t know about you, but I don’t know if I’ve seen a better Miss and Mr. Oktemberfest,” emcee Dylan Does of Marshalltown said. Each contestant stepped up to the main stage near the Courthouse Square to introduce themselves with their name, their grade and their school, before awaiting to determine the winner.

The winners were chosen through a random drawing and will riding in style in the Oktemberfest Grand Parade which runs through Main Street from Ninth Street to Second Avenue at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Both Kyrese and Aleah couldn’t stop smiling once they received their crowns.

T-R photos by Austin Chadderdon Little Miss and Mr. Oktemberfest smile as they are drawn this year’s winners. Mr., Kyrese Turner is a second grader from Hoglan Elementary School. Aleah Syder is a second grader from Woodbury Elementary School.

“This is your kingdom. You rule over these people until Sunday,” Does told Kyrese and Aleah as they posed for the Oktemberfest crowd.

Carnival rides, fair food and more populated downtown Marshalltown Thursday night for the first night of Oktemberfest.

A crowd gathered around aerial artists near the Courthouse Square who wowed spectators as they effortlessly and artistically moved their bodies through hoops, ropes and sheets.

Family-fun was everywhere in the downtown area for Oktemberfest’s Kids Night, with kids excitedly exploring all the fun Oktemberfest had to offer. Disney princesses and DC superheroes met with attendees and posed for pictures with anyone willing. Kids rode big wheel bikes up and down Main Street racing each other. Sounds of excitement could be heard echoing through Main Street from those riding the amusement park rides at the carnival. Members of the martial art club Tiger Taekwondo showed off their skills on practice dummies for an intrigued audience.

Families took part in a Color Run on Main Street, where both adults and children ran down the street and back while being splashed with powdered colors splattering their white t-shirts.

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

Oktemberfest continues in Marshalltown though Sunday. Friday’s events include a classic car show at 5 p.m., local crafters and merchants selling their goods and live music starting at 7 p.m. from Beach Boys tribute band Sail On. For more information, visit www.oktemberfest.com.

Contact Trevor Babcock at 641-753-6611 or tbabcock@timesrepublican.com.

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON

T-R PHOTO BY AUSTIN CHADDERDON