DOVER- Most German-themed Oktoberfest events are associated with beer, schnitzel, and oom-pah music; but throw in kids games, pumpkin painting, an apple slingshot, yodeling contest, and the famous “schnitzel toss,” and we have the 15th annual Mount Snow Oktoberfest. A Columbus Day weekend tradition since 1997, Oktoberfest is one of the southern Vermont resort’s signature events and features two days of eating, drinking, and games for the whole family.

The kids zone is where families will find festival games like bean bag toss, a huge bouncy house, pumpkin painting, and other kid-friendly activities. While the young ones are playing, the big kids can enjoy a large selection of beers from German and domestic breweries, authentic German fare, and games like the keg toss, yodeling contest, and stein holding, as well as a horseshoe tournament.

New this year is the addition of the Gulp and Gallop 5K Beer Run for the 21-plus crowd which will be a fun run making four laps around the base area of the mountain. Each time participants complete a lap they have their choice of water or a cup of beer to drink before heading back out onto the course. There will also be the Kool Aid 1K for kids later in the afternoon. Plus, Burton will be setting up a dry-land Riglet Park for young snowboarders to enjoy and the Snow Barn will host a screening of Burton’s new film “13” Saturday night; doors at 5:30 pm with no cover and live music to follow.

Admission to the Mount Snow Oktoberfest for the 21-plus crowd is $20 for one day, $30 for two days, and includes one commemorative stein and a beer token for each day of admission. For the under-21 crowd and designated drivers, admission is $12 for one day and $20 for two days, which includes a coupon for a complimentary soft drink each day. Hours are 11 am to 5 pm Saturday, October 6, and Sunday, October 7, with live music from the Oberlaendler Hofbrau Band all weekend long.

Scenic chairlift rides on the Bluebird Express to the summit of Mount Snow are available for $10 per person. The Main Base Lodge will be home to the 39th annual Harvest Arts and Crafts Fair featuring local artisans and food vendors selling their creations beginning at 9 am on Saturday and Sunday; admission to the arts and crafts fair is free.

For more information about the 15th annual Mount Snow Oktoberfest or to purchase tickets online visit www.mountsnow.com.