The Milwaukee Post

By DAN MUCKELBAUER Post Editor MILWAUKEE — Even if you aren't German, you can eat, drink and dance like one. Or at least try. The four-day MKE Oktoberfest rolls out the bar- rel Thursday downtown. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett taps the first keg at 4:30 p.m. during opening cer- emonies at Pere Marquette Park, 950 N. Old World Third St. Free samples of Hofbräu Okotberfestbier will be handed out while they last. "The keg tapping is my favorite part because people are excited and the mayor gets into it," said Stacie Callies, executive director of the Westown Association, a partner of the event. On opening day, activities are only at Pere Marquette, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Once festivities get rolling, events will be from noon to 11 p.m. Oct. 2-3 at the Marcus Center Grounds, 929 N. Water St., in addition to Pere Marquette. On Oct. 4, events will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marcus Center and noon to 6 p.m. at Pere Marquette. And as West Germany and East Germany were united, the same holds true for the events on the west and east side of the Milwaukee River. "This will be the third year for the Marcus Center. Oktoberfest on Old World Third Street has been around for the better part of 10 years and started off as a street festival and was moved to Pere Marquette Park four years ago," Callies said. "Last year the events were combined." German festivals are ingrained in Milwaukee and are a natural because of the ethnic heritage, she said. "But we were missing that type of thing downtown. "The formula for the event is quite successful. Last year, Pere Marquette was order- ing more beer all weekend because the attendance was greater than anticipated," Callies said. Depending on the weather, it's not a bad walk on State Street or Kilbourn Avenue between the two sites — Pere Marquette on the west and the Marcus Center just on the east side, she added. Some highlights: Pere Marquette Park ■ Masskrugstemmen — 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 and Oct. 3, with registration at 6:30 p.m. limited to the first 20 entries. See who can hold a beer stein at arm's length the longest. ■ Free Lunch Friday — Noon-2 p.m. Oct. 2. Get a free Usinger's bratwurst with the purchase of a liter of Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier. ■ German Dance Club performances — 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 2 and 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 3. Various German dance clubs will perform. ■ Yelp Milwaukee Polka-off — 2 p.m. Sunday. Yelp and polka at the same time. Winners will be cho- sen. Marcus Center Grounds ■ The Glockenspiel — A human cuckoo clock will run every two hours, start- ing at 4 p.m. Oct. 2, 2 p.m. Oct 3 and noon Sunday. ■ Food specials — Friday fish fry, Saturday spanferkel, Sunday German breakfast. ■ MKE Oktoberfest Market — Noon-8 p.m. Oct. 3. ■ Harvest polka Mass — 11 a.m. Oct. 4 in the Peck Pavilion. Music will be pro- vided by The Mike Schneider Band and the services will be led by the Rev. Mike Hammer. In addition to the special food fare at the Marcus Center, there will be a vari- ety at both sites. The Marcus Center will have Saz's pulled barbecue pork and chicken sandwich- es, brats, hot dogs and chick- en schnitzel sandwiches. Pere Marquette Park will have a variety of Bavarian- style pretzels, including the Obatzter — the traditional Munich cheese spread with onions and paprika. There will be Usinger's würste or sausages, such as Land- jaeger, and Weissgerber's smoked bratwurst. There will be a Hofbräuhaus wurst platter, chicken schnitzel and Schweinflügel, or pig wings. 14 • Milwaukee County Post • September 25, 2015 COMMUNITY MKE Oktoberfest to roll out again downtown Submitted photo The comic drama of the Glockenspiel will go off like clockwork, more or less, every two hours Oct. 2-4 at the Marcus Center Grounds during MKE Oktoberfest. Two downtown locations united under one fest - PAID ADVERTISEMENT - PLANNING YOUR FUNERAL, BURIAL AND CREMATION Most of us will leave a surviving spouse or children who will be responsible for our funeral, burial and cremation. However, not everyone has a trusted individual who they can rely upon to follow their burial wishes. In addition, occasionally there are family disputes about funerals. If you have concerns that your funeral wishes may not be followed, there are a number of things you may do. First, it is always a good idea to pre-plan and pre-pay your funeral. Most of the time your wishes will be followed by the funeral director. Your loved ones will not need to pick out a casket and go through difficult decisions the day after you pass away. Pre-planning can include every aspect of your funeral including music, services, clothing, post funeral brunches and burial or cremation wishes. Under Wisconsin law, you may appoint an individual to have the authority to conduct your funeral. If you expect your loved ones will argue and disagree, this can be a good idea. Forms are available from the State of Wisconsin by which you can appoint someone who will have sole authority to handle your funeral. Without such a form, the law will assume your closest living loved ones have the authority. However, there can be disagreement between children, if they are your closest living loved ones. In summary, give thought to pre-planning and prepaying your funeral, this will take a tremendous burden off your loved ones the day after you pass away. If you expect that there will be problems and disagreements over your funeral, consider naming one person to have sole authority. There are other things you can do that will make it easier on your loved ones after you pass. They include: leaving a will or a trust; leaving a list of your bank accounts, insurances and other assets; letting others know where your important papers can be found; having a trusted person who has access to your safe box; and throwing away all those old receipts and "important" papers your loved ones will have to go through after you pass away. Also, all the "stuff" in your basement, garage, attic and closets that you have intended to give away or throw out - Do It Now! Please let your loved ones know where your important papers, including your will or trust, will be found after your death. I cannot tell how many times a parent passes away and the children have no idea where the original will or trust is located. The Law Office of James J. Winiarski offers a free estate planning consultation. Our approach to estate planning is to explain the options available, the cost of each option, and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. If you would like to set up an appointment for a free estate planning conference, please call us at 414-383-3902. 246123130 DO YOU NEED A WILL? Attorney James J. Winiarski An experienced professional in estate planning. A standard simple will is $190.00, and that charge includes a private conference with Attorney Winiarski. Husband and wife for $350.00. •Probate services are also available at reasonable rates. •Emergency consultations are available. •Please Call for a Free Simple Estate Planning Consultation Attorney James J. Winiarski 3625 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee (414) 383-3902 243900220 Monday–Friday: 7:30am–5:00pm, Saturday: 7:00am–12:00pm Vietnam Veteran - VFW Member 246123112 Special Rates for Senior Citizens & Veterans Norv's BARBER SHOP 2688 S. 13th St. 384-3380 Wheelchairs • Walkers • 3-Wheel Scooters MEDICAL EQUIPMENT BUY • SELL • TRADE • REPAIR Helping Aids, Inc. 414-321-6494 246123124

• Cover