Couples including Maureen and Marvin Bernardy, at right, danced during Saturday's Oktoberfest in Marshall. The event brought together locally-brewed beer and music from groups like the Larry Olsen Band and the Bockfest Boys.

MARSHALL — It was a first for Marshall. Area residents gathered at the Lyon County fairgrounds on Saturday to celebrate Oktoberfest with live music, dancing and local beer. Organizers with the Marshall Knights of Columbus said Monday they want to make the event an annual one.

“We’re starting small, and we’ll get bigger as we go,” said Kevin Gruhot, fundraiser chairman with the Marshall Knights of Columbus.

Gruhot said about 170 people bought tickets to Oktoberfest. The event was co-hosted by the Knights of Columbus, Visit Marshall and the Brau Brothers Brewing Co., with proceeds going to support Holy Redeemer School.

Gruhot said the idea to hold an Oktoberfest event in Marshall was one that had been taking shape for a while. Oktoberfest is a tradition that got its start in Munich, Germany, but is popular in communities around Minnesota.

To bring Oktoberfest to Marshall, organizers reached out to Minnesota-based musicians who knew their way around a polka. The performers included the Larry Olsen Band of Lake Benton, and the Bockfest Boys of New Ulm.

“The Larry Olsen Band was great, and he had all his followers there,” Gruhot said of Saturday’s event. The Bockfest Boys were also experienced Oktoberfest musicians – they’ve performed at Oktoberfest events around Minnesota, including in New Ulm, Gruhot said.

Organizers want to keep the event going in Marshall. Gruhot said they’re already thinking about plans for next year. He said he hoped to set a date in September 2024, and possibly move to a venue like the Red Baron Arena. Having an indoor space would allow for festivities without having to worry about rain or cold, Gruhot said.