Not Your Regular Oktoberfest
Honktoberfest in Biwabik is a twist on the traditional Oktoberfest. For over a decade, Biwabik has thrown the popular, lively festival, combining classic Bavarian autumn celebrations with Minnesota Northwoods heritage.
The name pays homage to Honk the Moose- the famous children’s book character and local mascot rooted in Biwabik history. The 1935 book Honk the Moose by Phil Stong was inspired by a real-life wandering moose that visited Biwabik and is now represented by a life-size statue of the moose in the city park.
The celebration has grown over the years and is now a joint effort between the Biwabik Area Civic Association and Giants Ridge.
Events Saturday ranged from the Moose on the Loose Fun Run to a family-friendly assortment of children’s games, live music, wagon rides, a petting zoo, and plenty of food. A highlight of the day is the popular weinerdog races (open to any breed of small, short-legged dogs).
Giants Ridge hosted the second half of the festival Saturday with yard games, axe throwing, and the Castle Danger Mountain Top Beer Tour, along with the Bavarian Brewathlon, a rowdy team competition where participants face off in challenges like axe throwing, stein racing, keg rolling, stein hoisting, and the crowd favorite sausage toss.
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