By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
VICTORIA- Victoria will double in size as Herzogfest draws crowds with the scent of bierocks and the spirit of German culture.
Brenton Hoffman, president of Herzogfest, said the two-day celebration, which will be Aug. 8-9, features traditional food, children’s activities, a car show and live music.
"It's our hometown's annual festival that represents our German heritage," he said.
The festival takes place Friday and Saturday on Main Street, offering more than a dozen activities and free entertainment:
Friday
Food vendors open at 11 a.m.
ZOG Olympics at 2 p.m.
Drift Trikes at 3 p.m.
Horsehsoes at 6 p.m.
Matfield Green, music entertainment, at 7 p.m.
50/50 raffle at 8:45 p.m.
Blaine Younger Band, music entertainment, at 9 p.m.
Saturday
5k run and walk at 8:30 a.m.
Heritage Market at 9 a.m.
Herzog Car Show, Jammin Randy, three-on-three basketball tournament, valve cover races and drift trikes at 10 a.m.
Bingo at the VFW, 204 E. Main St., and a cornhole tournament at 11 a.m.
Kids Steinhoist Competition and free swimming at noon
Polka Mass at 4 p.m.
Polka Dance at 5 p.m.
Steinhoist Competition at 6 p.m.
Wes Cossman Band at 7 p.m.
50/50 raffle at 8:45 p.m.
Dylan Wheeler at 9 p.m.
"People from all of Ellis County come to our festival. ... It really helps. It keeps us thriving in Victoria," Hoffman said.
Herzogfest is free to attend, but some events require entry fees, including the 5K Run/Walk at $25 and the cornhole tournament at $40 per team.
You can find all registration information and forms here, with same-day registration also offered at the event.
Hoffman highlighted German dishes such as green bean dumpling soup, blackberry dumplings and bierocks.
He gives thanks to the sponsors, donors and committee members who make Herzogfest possible. You can follow the Herzogfest on Facebook and visit its website here.