The Oktoberfest Family Festival continued Saturday with a full lineup of activities, including a cook-off competition, live music and a watch party for the Nebraska football game.
The day began with the Wurst Run Ever 5K, which brought hundreds of participants through Johnson Park and downtown Norfolk. The Norfolk Lions Club parade followed, drawing large crowds to the downtown area.
The wiener dog races began at 1:30 p.m., attracting spectators who cheered as the dogs raced head-to-head.
At 2 p.m., judging began for the inaugural Harvest Heat Cook-Off. Four competitors, Ryne Hoffart, Jeff Hoffart, Dahlas Zlomke and Robert Oswald, put their rib-cooking skills to the test.
Participants began grilling at 6 a.m. along Norfolk Avenue, which was closed for Saturday’s festivities.
Ryne Hoffart said the competition featured two categories: Ribs and a people’s choice appetizer. Three judges evaluated the entries while attendees sampled the food and voted for their favorites.
Hoffart, who works closely with the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce and enjoys grilling, said he signed up as soon as he heard about the competition.
“When they said they were putting it on, one of my favorite things ...