HERMANN – The 2026 version of Hermann’s Oktoberfest kicked off Friday evening with the traditional tapping of the keg by Mayor Bruce Cox. The celebration of fall in Hermann continues all month, mostly on the weekend with lots of food, fun and, of course, beer.

The kickoff began with Hermann Farms’ Black Shire draught horses bringing the symbolic keg to be opened by the mayor in the bier garten of Tin Mill Brewery at 1st Street (Highway 100) and Gutenberg Street.

According to a long-standing German tradition, the first beer barrel at Oktoberfest is always tapped at the Schottenhamel festival tent.  The history of this tradition comes from the mayor of Munich, who tried his hardest to insert the tap in as few blows as possible to fill up the first beer glass.

At last Monday night’s board of aldermen session, the Mayor Cox urged motorists to be extra cautious of the large crowds in town. “A lot of people in town,” he said. “Be careful when you’re out driving.”

During the Oct. 2 event, Cox commented that the festivities are wonderful, but Hermann in the off season and a sight to see. When asked how events like the myriad that occur during the town’s Oktoberfest celebrations contribute to the community, he answered, “Tax dollars. Bottom line is, the city of Hermann relies on the tax dollar. That’s our main income. We’re fortunate that we have 177 or so guest houses and B&B’s. So it’s not just for the festivals, but year around that people come to enjoy the town.”

To help keep the expected large crowds of visitors safe as they mill about town during the celebration, more police officers will be on the streets. At the Sept. 28 aldermen meeting, a roster of additional personnel was hired to bolster the Hermann Police Department’s staff.

The special Oktoberfest officers hired for the celebration include Gasconade County Sheriff Scott Eiler, former Missouri State Highway Patrol Zone Sgt. Kent Kreftmeyher, Kody McGuire, Donald Reed, Todd Schlitt, Auston Turner, Benjamin Hellebusch, Paul Lambert, John Paul, Andrew Rosenkoetter and Michael Stivers.

In other matters taken up during the BOA session, City Administrator Patricia Heaney told the board that City Hall is working on another grant to fund improvements at the Municipal Airport, located across the Missouri River. City officials are hoping to obtain funds to make runway repairs.

Also, she noted that the city’s large trash drop day will be Nov. 7 and take place at the parking area on Gutenberg Street. The drop off is open to residents of the city, who will need to bring a utility bill bearing their address as a proof of residency.

There will be city personnel on hand to assist the residents, she said.

Organizers of the Angel of Hope memorial being developed near the Rotunda in Upper City Park have set a tentative date for dedicating the site for Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The Angel of Hope is being developed as a memorial for children who have died.