German Fest 2023: pretzels, beer and the return of competitive woodchopping

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Authentic food, music and games are returning to the lakefront this weekend. Starting Friday, July 28 at 3 p.m. and running until Sunday, July 30 you can get your hands on traditional Oktoberfest Brats while listening to traditional German folk and rock music.

The beer comes from Munich and the musicians all the way from Austria to celebrate Milwaukee's rich German heritage. 

"It's so varied from north to south and from east to west," said Eric Radue, the president of Milwaukee German Fest. "They all brought different traditions. So, some groups had a woodworking tradition." 

That's why German Fest partners with Stihl to bring the TIMBERSPORTS US Pro Championship to Milwaukee. For the first time since 2019, wood chopping and sawing will take the stage. 

German Fest officials expect to sell thousands of tortes and pretzels this weekend. And three lucky winners will be seeing a lot of Milwaukee Pretzel Company this year if they participate in the new scavenger hunt.

"We've hidden one golden pretzel somewhere on the grounds and who ever finds it gets a year supply of pretzels," said Eric Radue,
president of Milwaukee German Fest.

The old familiar Dachshund Doggy Dash will return to the grass as the popular wiener dogs race for barking rights.