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OTTUMWA -- Ottumwa begins to celebrate Oktoberfest Tuesday evening.

From 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. the 32 annual Rotary Club barbecue chicken dinner will be held in the Oktoberfest tent.  The price of a meal is $9 and consists of chicken, KFC coleslaw, corn, ice cream and soda. 

Brenda Hostetler, president of Rotary in Ottumwa, says it’s great helping keep money raised in the community. 

“We’ve raised almost $400,000 in the last 32 years,” said Hostetler.  “It’s an honor to be able to help people in need.”

Rotary expects to serve 4,200 meals and grill more than 6,000 pounds of chicken.  If you’re in a rush this evening there is a drive thru service to take home your meal.  Hostetler expects anywhere from 200 to 250 volunteers to help serve the food and many started grilling at 8:00 a.m.

The BBQ chicken dinner is the unofficial start to Oktoberfest.  Here is a list of other events expected throughout the week.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 28

11 a.m. to 11 p.m.: Oktoberfest tent open

4-6 p.m.: DJ Tobin Garrett

6-10 p.m. on the Budweiser State: Slick Willie Band

D&B Shows Carnival

THURSDAY, Sept. 29

11 a.m. to midnight: Oktoberfest tent open

4-6 p.m.: German wines and beer tasting, sponsored by Hy-Vee

4-7 p.m.: DJ Tobin Garrett

8 p.m. to midnight on the Budweiser Stage: Out of the Blew

D&B Shows Carnival – Wristband Night

FRIDAY, Sept. 30

11 a.m. to midnight: Oktoberfest tent open

4-6 p.m.: DJ Tobin Garrett

6 p.m.: Kiddie Parade on Washington, Main and Green Streets, sponsored by South Ottumwa Savings Bank (rain location: Quincy Place Mall)

6-7:30 p.m.: The “Low”ly Brass

7-11 p.m. on the Budweiser Stage: Jennifer Handling and Revolution

D&B Shows Carnival

SATURDAY, Oct. 1

10 a.m.: Oktoberfest Parade in downtown Ottumwa featuring the Parade of Bands

11 a.m. to midnight: Oktoberfest tent open

10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Emcee/DJ “JR” Richards

1 p.m.: Band Drumline Competition

1:30 p.m.: Presentation of float and band awards in tent

1:45 p.m.: Presentation of Outstanding Senior Band Member

2-6 p.m.: Starbound Karaoke – DJ and karaoke open mic

6-7:30 p.m.: The “Low”ly Brass

8 p.m. to midnight on the Budweiser Stage: Sez Who

D&B Shows Carnival

SUNDAY, Oct. 2

D&B Shows Carnival – Wristband Day