The Northwest College International Student & Scholar Services presents Taste the Nations: Oktoberfest, on Thursday, Sept. 25, featuring an evening of authentic German food, fun, and spirits. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Yellowstone Building Conference Center on the NWC campus.

Tickets for the event are $50 and on sale through the NWC Foundation & Alumni Office at nwc.edu/foundation/. Attendees should RSVP by Sept. 19. Gluten free and vegetarian dinner options are available.

The evening begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6, and dancing at 7. There will also be a live polka band and polka lessons for participants along with display tables by NWC’s German students.

Oktoberfest began in Munich, Germany, as a royal celebration in 1810, originally held to honor the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to join the festivities, which included horse races and public entertainment on the fields in front of the city gates. The celebration was so popular that it became an annual tradition.

Oktoberfest is now the world’s largest folk festival, drawing millions of visitors each year. While the original event takes place in Germany, communities around the globe celebrate their own versions of Oktoberfest to honor German heritage, enjoy seasonal traditions, and bring people together with food, music and festivity.

Taste the Nations aims to raise funds for international student scholarships and student travel. For more information about this event, contact Jill Hartmann, Alumni & Development Coordinator, at 307-754-6034 or jill.hartmann@nwc.edu.