Alpha’s Yooptoberfest returns for a third year

ALPHA, Mich. (WLUC) - Yoopers enjoyed special beer taps on Saturday for Alpha's Oktoberfest. Alpha Michigan Brewing Company hosted its 3rd annual Yooptoberfest.

"It's great to see all these new faces and to support all the local vendors, obviously to support the Alpha Brewery," said the brewery's events marketer, Jamie Krueger. "It's just really cool to have everybody come together because we're a small town, and so it's nice to have so many people come here and support us."

Krueger says over 1,500 people joined last year's festival. Guests ate classic German meals from food trucks like bratwurst and sauerkraut. The festival served the brewery's sought-after German-styled brews that only come out on tap during the fall season.

"They really love, for one, the beer," Krueger said. "Everybody wants to come out for the beer, one hundred percent. I actually had a lady call me last week asking if we had it tapped yet. People are excited and ready for it to be out."

Krueger says they served about 2,000 pints of beer last year. Visitors could also take a stroll into the craft fair across the street.

"It's amazing just to see all the people show interest and have all the variety of things for people to choose from," said vendor Elisa Servais. "I think it's a real benefit."

Servais says it's the largest one yet with 25 vendors. They sold items like jewelry and soap.

"I think it's just something different," Servais said. "The Yoopers like to celebrate period, so anything that we can combine 'Yooper' into is a good thing."

She says the festival's growth is encouraging.