photos by Todd Newcomer

The San Juan Citizens Alliance 2nd annual Oktoberfest celebration returned to Durango last weekend and took over a large and festive section of Main Avenue. Beer, bratwursts and an amazing variety of talented musicians kept smiles on faces during a constant flow of downtown foot traffic. Mechanical bull rides, a dunk tank and a creative putt-putt course entertained adults and children alike. Local acts the Lawn Chair Kings and the Frank Trio were just a few of the opening acts that welcomed Drew Emmitt to the celebration and a highly anticipated national act to downtown Durango. By days end Sunday, there was no excuse for any Oktoberfest fan to have missed out on his or her fill of lederhosen and polka music as vehicles once again reclaimed the downtown thouroughfare.
Peter Clevano draws a beer from the ceremonial keg of Carvers beer  shortly after things got under way Saturday. Pasaug Sherpa gets ready for his throw at the Durango Nature Studies dunk tank Saturday. Owen Nicholas, 4, closes the lid as he finishes off a hole on the putt-putt course Saturday. Drew Emmitt entertains the downtown crowd Saturday evening.   Dio Cifuni goes for the full eight seconds on the mechanical bull Saturday afternoon. Giovanni Rovetto, of the Frank Trio, enjoys playing to a packed street Saturday.   Jon Park, of Olde Tymer's, keeps a hungry, late-afternoon crowd well fed Saturday. Quinn Hoover, 5, picks up a slimy section of pumpkin during a carving session Saturday. Oktoberfest volunteer CC Weise straps a wrist band onto a new arrival from beneath her tent on Main Ave.