Jeff Yorde and Kevin Gruhot worked to peel and chop onions for the bratwurst at Saturday’s Oktoberfest celebrations in Marshall. The event kicks off at noon with live music, food and more at the Lyon County Fairgounds.

MARSHALL — Oktoberfest celebrations are usually associated with beer and music. But there was also a lot more that volunteers were helping to get ready for Oktoberfest of Marshall – like chopping a whole sack’s worth of onions.

“The onions are for the brats,” said Kevin Gruhot, as he and Jeff Yorde peeled and chopped on Thursday afternoon. A bratwurst meal, games and live music from local artists are all going to be part of the festivities at the Lyon County fairgrounds this Saturday.

This will be the second year that local organizations and businesses have sponsored Oktoberfest of Marshall. The event will open at noon Saturday in the 4-H building at the fairgrounds.

“We’re hoping for a lot more people this year,” Gruhot said. “Everyone’s excited about it.”

The musical lineup will also feature a variety of styles, with the Larry Olsen Band getting the festivities started, and singer/songwriter Kayla Daniels and Marshall duo The Singing Q’s later in the afternoon and evening.

Oktoberfest of Marshall got started last year with the help of the Marshall Knights of Columbus, who are the hospitality hosts for the event.

“One of our Knights of Columbus had been bringing the idea up to me for a couple of years,” Gruhot said. “I thought, ‘All right, let’s try it.'” The first event last fall drew a crowd of about 180 people. Gruhot said organizers hoped participation would grow over time.

In addition to the live music, Saturday’s celebrations will include a variety of beers from Brau Brothers, and a food menu including brat platters and sandwiches, with sides like German potato salad. A kids’ meal with a hot dog and chips will also be available, Gruhot said. Organizers will also be selling Oktoberfest of Marshall steins, with one free fill, he said.

In addition to enjoying the food, music and dancing, people can also relax and play family-friendly yard games. Gruhot said games like Yardzee, giant Jenga, and beanbags will be available this year.

Oktoberfest of Marshall will be from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $10. More information is available online at the event’s Facebook page, “Oktoberfest ’24 of Marshall, MN.”