By Aiden Le
Roy Howard Community Journalism Center
HATTIESBURG — Southern Prohibition Brewing’s annual Oktoberfest will bring Hattiesburg residents together for food, entertainment and community activities, with organizers expanding the event’s family-friendly offerings.
Oktoberfest is traditionally associated with a multiday celebration in Munich, Germany.
This year, Southern Prohibition will add an official U.S. Strongman competition after the festival. Approximately 50 competitors from across the Southeast are expected to participate in the competition, which will take place in the brewery’s parking lot.
Ben Green, navigator and co-owner of Southern Prohibition Brewing, said the event has grown each year as the brewery has added new activities while keeping popular parts of previous celebrations.
“One of the interesting things we have going on this year is, after the festival, we’re having an official U.S. Strongman competition,” Green said.
The brewery has also expanded its food offerings in recent years, adding more themed and German-inspired dishes, according to Green.
He said the changes have helped create more of a family atmosphere rather than focusing solely on the brewery’s beer offerings.
Green said Southern Prohibition’s connection to the celebration comes partly from his German roots and the brewery’s interest in pairing German-inspired food with its craft brewing culture.
“I hope people come down and make some new friends and make some new memories,” Green said.
The Oktoberfest celebration will begin at 11 a.m. Sept. 26 at Southern Prohibition Brewing in downtown Hattiesburg. Live entertainment, parking lot games and other activities will be available throughout the event.
Additional information is available on Southern Prohibition Brewing’s Facebook page.
