A much-anticipated annual event is coming up this weekend in the Camellia City.

Main Street’s Oktoberfest is slated for Confederate Park this Saturday from 10 a.m. to

4 p.m.

There will be many familiar faces back to entertain young and old alike, says Main Street Executive Director Nancy Idland.

&uot;We will have our very popular magic show at 11:30 that morning.

At 1:00 p.m. Bruce Bannen, trick roping artist and cowboy poet will be back to perform.

We’ll also have the caricaturist back to draw your sketch on the spot, the balloon artist… lots of fun stuff,&uot; notes Idland.

Other tried-and-true Oktoberfest activities include the ever-popular crafts tables (just one of many crafts: making great hats from recycled additions of a certain local newspaper) and karaoke for the kids.

An activity from Oktoberfest’s past making a return appearance this year is the community chili cook-off competition.

&uot;We encourage all clubs and organizations to come out and participate in the cook-off,&uot; urges Idland. New this year will be the appearance of a delightful group of miniature ponies.

As always,hungry festival-goers can enjoy hamburgers and hotdogs right off the grill with the money going to support local schools. Other clubs and organizations will offer a variety of delicious baked goods to attendees with a sweet tooth.

While there is no admission and the kid’s activities are all free, Idland wants to remind everyone to bring their wallets and checkbooks and plan to do a little early Christmas shopping.

&uot;We have over 30 individuals and businesses offering their wares for sale that day…everything from handmade Christmas decorations and gift baskets to handcrafted jewelry and green plants… there’s going to be a really great mix there,&uot; notes Idland.

Art of the local variety will also be on show and for sale, with displays of paintings, photography and sculpture by the Greenville Area Fine Arts League and Megan Scofield.

&uot;We encourage everyone to come on out and enjoy a great day with us,&uot; Idland says.

For more Oktoberfest information, contact Idland at 382-3041.