WILSON — Brat and burger eating, beer drinking and horseshoe throwing are on the agenda in Wilson Saturday, Oct. 12, as the Wilson Czech Festival Committee hosts Czechtober Fest in Jellison Park.

“The Czech Festival Committee wanted to do some more activities that help talk about the Czech heritage,” said Susan Kriley, co-chairperson of the Czech Fest Committee.

Czechtober Fest will include a chili cook off with the judging between 3-4 p.m. Teams can enter for $20 each, but can set up to cook no earlier than 9 a.m. Prizes are $70 for first place team and $30 for second place. Chili samples will be available.

“I do not know how many entries they have,” Kriley said. “But it is not unusual for people to show up that morning at 9 a.m. and enter that day.”

Beginning at 11 a.m., the public is invited to feast on hot dogs, brats and burgers for a free will donation.

At 11:30 a.m., teams can register for the horseshoe tournament, which begins at noon. Cost is $20 per team and there is no pre-registration.

Kriley said the beer selection at Czechtober Fest will include a Czech pilsner in addition to regular American brands. Soda and water will be available for the kids.

“This is absolutely a family thing,” Kriley said.“There will also be music playing. We encourage people to grab their lawn chairs and come on out. If it’s chilly, grab a blanket.”

Kriley said different groups have conducted Octoberfest in Wilson in past years.

“This is the first year the Czech Festival Committee has gotten involved in something like this,” she said. “We had a good time during the Czech Festival and another reason why we’re doing it is to give something back to the community. We actually heard from a number of surrounding communities that are pretty excited about it too.”

Information: Wilson City Hall,

(785) 658-2272.