By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
VICTORIA — What started as a one-day retail business sidewalk sale 41 years ago has grown into a two-day family-oriented community festival in Victoria, honoring its German heritage.
The annual Herzogfest set for Friday and Saturday on Victoria's Main Street, is one of the largest free celebrations in western Kansas.
In keeping with the German theme, the Herzogfest will include a polka Mass at 4 p.m. Saturday, followed by a polka dance with traditional polka music and German songs.
"We try to have that for our older generations and keep it going for our younger folks," said Brenton Hoffman, Herzogfest president. "We have some really good singers."
There'll also be plenty of German food to enjoy at the Heritage Marketplace, which opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
Other food varieties will be offered by vendors, food trucks, and non-profit groups.
A special beer brewed at Defiance Brewing Co. in Hays will available for purchase. "The Zog," a German pilsner, made its first appearance last year in honor of the festival's 40th year.
Friday afternoon's Zog Olympics features beer-involved games of skills with two-person teams.
Horseshoes competition opens up the evening events at 6 p.m.
Concerts will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday by Texas artist Parker Ryan, followed by rock group Gannon Fremin & CCREV at 9 p.m.
Saturday morning kicks off bright and early with a 5K run/walk kicks off at 8 a.m.
The Herzog Hot Rods, Car, Truck & Tractor show starts at 10 a.m.
Other Saturday activities include children's music performer Jammin' Randy, pictures with Clifford the Big Red Dog, 3 on 3 basketball at the Victoria Elementary School, valve cover races, cornhole tournament, bingo at the Victoria VFW, and free swimming at the city pool from 1 to 4 p.m.
Stein hoist contests will be held for kids and adults, with water glasses for the kids and beer steins for the grownups. "No spilling allowed," Hoffman said.
The regional favorite Wes Cossman Band takes the stage at 7 p.m. and then the country/rock Huser Brother Band at 9 p.m.
Fifty/fifty cash raffles will precede the late concerts both nights.