Image by Blackbuad Stadium

The ninth annual Charleston Oktoberfest is returning to Blackbaud Stadium on Sunday, October 7, from noon to 5.

This year's headline Oompah band is the Roger Gootman Sauerkraut Band, and there will be true German dancers, a wide selection of German beers, and a variety of Oktoberfest food.

The first 1,000 festival attendees will receive a free commemorative beer stein.

Tickets to Charleston Oktoberfest 2012 are $5 in advance ($8 day of event) with no charge for children 12 and under.

The stadium will be transformed into a Bavarian-style beer hall with big tents along the south concourse for the stage and beer trestle-tables. The main beer vendors will also be arranged on the concourse.

The event will also benefit local charities, with a portion of the proceeds going to Live 5 News' Debi's Kids.

Oktoberfest will also include a 64 team Corn Hole tournament to benefit East Cooper Meals on Wheels.

Children's events during the afternoon include mini-soccer games on the stadium field, a Mountain Slide, an inflatable combination game, and jump castles presented by Charleston Jump Castles. Oktoberfest attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn-chairs.

The 2012 Bavarian Challenge will run during the Oktoberfest festivities with local teams competing in a variety of fun events including tug-o-war, barrel races, three-legged races and bratwurst eating competitions.

Charleston Oktoberfest is presented by Warsteiner with additional support from 95 SX, The Wolf 96.9, WTMA 1250, Piggly Wiggly and Live 5 News.

Tickets to Charleston Oktoberfest 2012 are only $5 in advance ($8 day of event) and can be purchased at the Blackbaud Stadium box office or by calling (843) 971-4625 tickets are also available online at www.charlestonbattery.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at all area Piggly Wiggly stores.