The Village of Minster is gearing up for a weekend full of fun and celebration! Earlier on Friday, village residents were getting ready for the 50th Annual Minster Oktoberfest. The Minster Oktoberfest kicked off Friday evening and will continue through Sunday bringing plenty of beer, German food, and fun activities. It is estimated more than 80,000 people will flock into the southwestern Auglaize County village. In between setting up booths, we talked with the president of the Minster Oktoberfest to learn a little bit more about how the beloved festival began.

July 2, 2024, Press Release from the Swiss Community Historical Society: The Swiss Community Historical Society will hold its next Second Saturday event on July 13 from 1-4 at the Schumacher Homestead, 8350 Bixel Road, Bluffton.  The featured activity will be scherenschnitte, literally scissor cuttings, led by Beth Boehr of Bluffton. Scherenschnitte is a folk-art form brought to the U.S. by German and Swiss immigrants in the 19th century. Visitors will be able to view examples made by Abraham Zurfluh, who arrived in the Swiss Settlement in 1852. Boehr will offer projects for all ages and skill levels. Children may color designs. Others may trace, then cut simple designs. For those wanting a more challenging project, there will be historical patterns available.

One Auglaize County community is celebrating its German heritage and helping local organizations at the same time. Minster is holding its annual Oktoberfest in the middle of the village.

It's been a busy couple of weeks for special visitors to Wapakoneta as the city is hosting students from their sister city in Germany.