One of Wishek's biggest claims to fame, the annual Sauerkraut Day celebration, is today (Oct. 11)

Local merchants invite everyone to enjoy the 92nd-annual festivities on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

Most of the action will occur at the historic Wishek Civic Center, on the corner of 8th St. and 1st Ave. South.

A traditional free meal of sauerkraut, wieners, mashed potatoes, “speck,” cheese, buns, coffee and water will be be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Larry Wald and Cleo Boschee will be emcees for the event. Door prize drawings are planned throughout the day.

Lunch hour entertainment is due to include performances by the band and choir from Wishek Public School.

Headliners this year are the Bismarck-based Dakota Keys Accordion Club.

The club was organized more than 15 years ago. The primary emphasis is to preserve the "old time music of yesterday," as it was played at many Germans from Russia social events, beginning in the 1920s.

Accordions are the instrument of choice, because they are easy to transport and can be used as a lead instrument, or accompanied by percussion, piano and guitar.

The Dakota Keys Accordion Club features several accordion players, plus a "honky tonk" piano queen. Songs include waltzes, polkas and two-steps.

Each performer has belonged — and some still belong — to local dance bands. They have many years of combined experience on stage.

As master of ceremonies for the club, Wishek native Harvey Schilling provides local humor and history. The club hopes to bring back memories and provide enjoyment for everyone who attends the program.

Bingo, hosted by the the Wishek Association of Commerce, is on tap at the Civic Center, beginning at 2 p.m. A $900 cash jackpot may be awarded to a lucky player.

In addition to the festivities at the Civic Center, a large craft show will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 1210 1st Ave. South. To register a booth, contact Staci Just at 701-793-3310.

First Baptist Church, across the street from the Civic Center, has scheduled a pie social from 1:30 to 4:00, in the church basement.

Many Wishek businesses will have special sale items in conjunction with Sauerkraut Day. Some are offering even more free food.

Stan's SuperValu, 1112 Beaver Ave., is continuing a long tradition again this year. Ice cream sundaes will be served all afternoon, until about 5:00.

Pinke Lumber, 403 Beaver Ave., is celebrating its 40th anniversary with an open house from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Kuchen and coffee will be served.

A new business, Ankers Law Office, 117 South Centennial St., also is holding an open house. Kuchen and coffee will be served there as well, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Association of Commerce has sponsored Sauerkraut Day since the 1920s as a thank-you to Wishek-area customers and patrons for their continuing support.

Financial backing and volunteer labor provided by local merchants has made the event possible for more than nine decades.