Annual Oktoberfest Returns to Rex Pavilion With Park Upgrades in Sight
Kalida, OH · September 17, 2026
Rain showers are tapping against the windowpanes early this morning, kicking off a damp Thursday that still has plenty lined up across the county.
The Lead
The Kiwanis Club of Ottawa is putting final touches on its fourth annual Oktoberfest, scheduled to take over the Rex Pavilion this Saturday starting at 2:00 PM. Following closely on the heels of Pioneer Days, the regional celebration pairs German heritage with civic investment.
Every dollar generated from the Biergarten and concessions flows directly into Ottawa’s municipal parks to fund playground gear, shelter repairs, and trail upkeep. Festival-goers can look forward to homemade pretzels from City Bakery, bratwurst from the Ottawa-Glandorf Jaycees, and Kiwanis sauerkraut balls, alongside stein-holding showdowns and beer-tray relays. Cincinnati polka-rock favorites The Klaberheads headline the music lineup at 5:00 PM after an opening set by The Village Idiots. Organizers expect another packed pavilion to keep local recreation improvements moving forward.
Local Pulse
ODOT Seeks Input on Regional Roundabout Plan Roads Area drivers can submit comments through mid-October on proposed safety upgrades for the busy State Route 81 corridor.
Area Schools Host Youth Leadership Assembly Schools Students from three neighboring districts gather today in Miller City for a character presentation by Alex Sheen.
Today's Outlook
- High 79°F · Low 70°F — Rain showers (69% chance of precipitation)
- Grab an umbrella before heading out, as scattered showers will stick around through tonight.
What's On Around Town
Today
Transitions in the Golden Years Kalida Lions Den Northside Shelter House (429 Northland Dr), 10:00 AM · Free Helpful senior wellness strategies and resources from county aging advocates.
Wildcats Boys Golf Tri-Match Country Acres Golf Club (12551 Road M), 4:00–6:30 PM Watch the Wildcats host Liberty-Benton and Paulding in afternoon links action.
Toast to the Town Delphos Canal Days, Delphos, 6:00–9:00 PM · $55 Fine wine, regional appetizers, and entertainment kicking off Canal Days weekend.
Art Hub for Kids Putnam County District Library (136 Putnam Pkwy), Ottawa, 6:00 PM · Free Hands-on art making and creative projects for kindergarten through fifth graders.
Tomorrow
- Titans Walnut Street Pep Session Rex Pavilion (106 E Main St), Ottawa, 5:00–7:00 PM · Free
- Battle of the Businesses Delphos Canal Days, Delphos, 6:00–7:30 PM · Free
- Boys Varsity Soccer: Fort Jennings at Miller City Miller City High School (200 N Main St), Miller City, 7:00–9:00 PM
Saturday
- Indiana Wild Animal Encounter Putnam County District Library Continental Location (301 S 6th St), Continental, 10:00 AM · Free
- 4th Annual Ottawa Oktoberfest Rex Pavilion (106 E Main St), Ottawa, 2:00–10:00 PM · Free
- Delphos Canal Days Festival Midway Downtown Delphos, Delphos, All day · Free
Spotlight & Story
- Remlinger Manufacturing
- Started in 1964 inside Wilbur Remlinger’s barn at Fifth and Water Streets, this farm implement outfit grew by building custom harrows for neighbors. Three generations later, the family still operates the 165,000-square-foot plant on Route 224, turning farmer sketches into field-ready machinery.
Kalida Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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