German culture will be on tap with food and fun at the German Harvestfest Saturday, Oct.29 at the Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds.

German Harvestfest, previously known as Octoberfest, is a fun night of traditional German Russian food and a classic Dutch Hop to top it all off. It’s an effort to maintain the traditions of one of the Panhandle’s unique cultures.

Limited seating is available with only 700 tickets for sale. There will be no ticket sales at the door, so don’t wait to get your tickets before the deadline of October 14th.

Dean Kamerzal, the event organizer told the Star Herald “I think a lot of people wait until the last minute, so sales will speed up soon.”

The German Russians began during the time of Catherine the Great. She enticed German farmers to immigrate to Russia in order to benefit from their expertise. When the social climate in Russia began to decline, the descendants of these farmers immigrated to western Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming, drawn here by the sugar beet industry in the area.

On the menu for the evening includes cabbage burgers, homemade rye bread and dina kuchen, a traditional German coffee cake. Any leftovers will be available to attendees for purchase after the event.

Dinner will be served at 5:00 pm, but that’s not all. Bob Schmer & The River Boys Polka Band will lead the Dutch Hop dance following the meal at 6:30 pm.

Dinner and a dance for $20 a person is a great deal. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Legacy of the Plains museum.

Tickets are on sale at the Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds Office at 308-623-1828, JG Elliott Insurance at 308-635-2023 or Riverstone Bank.