Oktoberfest is coming to the Historic Downtown Farmers Market 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct.16, 2012. This family festival includes dance music with the Itinerant Locals and polka lessons with Michele Crandall. German sausages on a bun, sauerkraut, and potato salad will be available for purchase as well as Vapor Valley root beer to wash down this delicious dinner. Admission and dance lessons are free. 
The Itinerant Locals, an unlikely combination of tuba and accordion, play a mix of traditional European, circus, and classic rock music. Somehow they mix it all into a polka beat that is irresistible to dance to. Michele Crandall will demonstrate the polka steps and will teach novices how to polka with the best.
Zac Smith and Cheryl Roorda began playing music together in Toronto and have been living and touring in Arkansas and surrounding areas since 2003. “You should never put a tuba beside an accordion,” states Roorda, one of the masters of the two musical misfits, “When you do, outrageous sparks fly.”
The Itinerant Locals have an energetic stage presence and groovy acoustic musicality that conveys well to their audience. This is a unique musical experience from another time and place and the Itinerant Locals will take you to where the indescribable meets the unforgettable for an evening.
The German Dinner Plate is a fundraiser for the market and is prepared by market vendor, Nell Sloan. The bratwurst is from local grown pork and Rays Farm provides the potatoes. Rose Schwekhart Cranson owner of Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery makes the root beer with local ingredients.
Farmers will be at the Oktoberfest with their wares that include fresh produce and handmade items. Autumn crops will be available including turnips, greens, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and red potatoes. Fresh eggs, dried lentils, and grains are also available. Artisans will have jewelry, handmade papers, tie-dye shirts, and other craft items. Ten minute messages and knife sharpening are some of the services that are provided. The blog site for the Farmers Market will be updated reflecting the items to be brought by the farmers and artists.
The market is located on 121 Orange Street in Hot Springs. For more information visit the web site www.hotspingsfarmersmarket.com or call The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs a 501(3)(c) not for profit organization at (501) 624-0489. Activities and music sponsored in part by The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs and with an Arts on Tour grant from the Arkansas Arts Council and the Department of Arkansas Heritage.
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