Newbury Park Rotary Club and Farmers Insurance will present the 20th annual Oktoberfest on Sat. and Sun., Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at Underwood Family Farms, between Thousand Oaks and Moorpark at 3370 Sunset Valley Road in Moorpark. Last year, the event attracted more than 8,000 people.

"This is our second year at Underwood Farms," said MaryCatherine McBride, Newbury Park Rotary's Oktoberfest chairperson. "We were thrilled at the turnout and expect more than 10,000 people to attend this year." Besides Farmers Insurance Group, major sponsors include Beck's Beer, Simi Valley Ford, Simi Valley Pontiac and Harrison Industries.

The two-day Oktoberfest will feature a 25-piece German band, the German dance and musical group, Tnze der Gemtlichen Schuhplattler, and the Spirit Cloggers.

Both days will include contests, including the best-dressed Bavarian costume (lederhosen and dirndls), a stein-holding contest and beer-drinking contest. Prizes will be awarded to winners.

Family activities at Underwood Farms will include a petting zoo, a giant slingshot, pick-your-own pumpkins and free hay rides.

Authentic German food, including bratwurst and sauerkraut will be featured, including a full food court that will treat a variety of tastes. New this year from Germany will be original Piller's Giant

Oktoberfest pretzels. "Pretzels are as much a part of Oktoberfest as beer," McBride said. "Oswald Piller is the pretzel king of Munich's Oktoberfest. For more than four decades, his giant pretzels have been celebrated as the best of Oktoberfest." "Our Oktoberfest is created in the spirit of the original Oktoberfest that began almost 200 years ago in Germany," McBride said. "It's a celebration of community and is fun for kids and adults alike."

Oktoberfest hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost is $7.50 for adults, kids 2 and under are free. Parking is free. Since its inception, Oktoberfest has raised more than $230,000 for local charities. For more information, visit the Rotary website at www.nprotary.org.