Clint Newell, and his mother, Joyce, hug after the both win their divisions en the Oktoberfest steinholding contest on Friday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post
Clint Newell was the winner of the men's steinholding contest Friday at Oktoberfest in 7 minutes 16 seconds. His mother was the winner of the winner in 6 minutes and 15 seconds.
The mugs were larger and heavier this year, according to event organizers.
Clint Newell is a previous winner in the contest.
A huge cheer from the crowd errupted when Joyce won the contest as the oldest female entrant.
The two-day Oktoberfest kicked off in Municipal Park Friday with opening ceremonies and tapping of the keg.
The festival grounds will open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostPhoto by Cristina Janney/Hays PostPhoto by Cristina Janney/Hays PostPhoto by Cristina Janney/Hays PostPhoto by Cristina Janney/Hays PostPhoto by Cristina Janney/Hays PostPhoto by Cristina Janney/Hays PostStein 10.jpgPhoto by Cristina Janney/Hays PostPhoto by Cristina Janney/Hays PostOktoberfest goer drinking a German beer from a glass shoe at Oktoberfest Hays 2026. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays PostTwo Oktoberfest goers pose for a picture while holding beer at Oktoberfest Hays 2026. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post Oktoberfest goer takes a bite of a traditional German bierock at Oktoberfest Hays 2026. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post Students stand next to FHSU President Tisa Mason and Eric Burks, president of Fort Hays Tech North Central as they receive $500 scholarships from FHSU in the at Oktoberfest Hays 2026. From left: FHSU President Tisa Mason, Cresinda Bandel, Mariella Dreilling, Addyson Schwindt, Jenna Brull, Grace Schmeidler, Stone Starbuck, Lane Whittman, and Eric Burks. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post. The Oktoberfest committee raises their glasses for everyone in attendance to cheers and give the green light to kick off Oktoberfest Hays 2026. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post. Tom Haas, Native German, speaking to the audience during the opening ceremony of Oktoberfest Hays 2026. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post. Gracie Herl singing the national anthem at Oktoberfest Hays 2026. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post. Emily Knowles, Oktoberfest Hays 2026 director, and Amanda Rupp, Ellis County Historical director, tap the keg during Oktoberfest Hays 2026. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post A special stein decorated for Oktoberfest Hays 2026 filled with beer. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays PostChainsaw sculpture auction piece being carved at Oktoberfest Hays 2026. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post. Point of view shot from the stage showing the audience before the female steinholding competition at Oktoberfest Hays 2026. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post
