County approves liquor license for Oktoberfest celebration

With the 39th year of Oktoberfest just around the corner, Judy Harris met with the Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners to propose a special designated liquor license.

In the past the license has been somewhat of a tough sell to all board members, despite the nature of the annual event.

“They’ve said ‘I have nothing against your celebration and it’s a wonderful thing you’re doing, but I can’t vote for drinking,’” Harris explained.

Perhaps the board's unanimous passage of the measure this time around stems from 2012.

Last year was the first time the Oktoberfest parade was cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Many called to complain that they had put a lot of time and money into making floats. With the absence of the parade, floats were parked in Cabela’s parking lot to showcase the handy work of the local residents of Sidney.

There was such an uproar from the town over the cancellation, the 39th annual celebration will go on rain, snow or otherwise.

“This is the first time in many, many years that I’ve had three votes,” Harris said.

Oktoberfest will take place on the weekend of October 4th and 5th.