Free admission for Boktoberfest Saturday at Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens is hosting the third annual Boktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011. Visitors will receive free admission from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. The event features live entertainment, German food, craft and seasonal beers, tree climbing, face painting, pumpkin painting, prize drawings and more.

“Boktoberfest celebrates the start of Florida’s gardening season,” explains David Price, president of the Gardens. “Plant lovers and gardeners will find a wide variety of Florida plants and learn from experts how to make the most of their gardens.”

Live music will be provided by Alpine Express, a four-member lederhosen ensemble performing authentic German music. The group plays instruments from Germany, Austria and Switzerland including long Swiss alphorns the size of trees; a wooden Alpine xylophone, that is often referred to as “wooden laughter;” the “Singing Saw” and more. Other entertainment will include the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon, Barely Metro, Gypsy Wind, Lagerheads and Juggles the Clown.

More than 40 vendors will offer plants for sale including orchids, palms, olive trees, tropical fruits, Florida natives, ferns, bamboo, roses, heliconias, bromeliads, tillandsia air plants, water lilies and more. Tom MacCubbin, Florida’s foremost expert on lawn and garden issues, will be the guest speaker at 2 p.m.

Activities for children will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Face painting and air brush tattoos will be available for an additional fee. A Family Tree Climbing experience will begin at 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is $12 per person ages 6 and up.

Campaign videos to become the mayor of Boktoberfest will be accepted through Oct. 14. Candidates are encouraged to wear lederhosen, dance a polka and unleash their creativity. The winner will be voted into office through a people’s choice online election. The mayor will receive special privileges and tours with a “Backstage at Boktoberfest” pass, officiate the Biergarten opening and perform other duties.

Satellite parking will be available and carpooling is strongly recommended. The Visitor Center, Blue Palmetto Café and Tower & Garden Gift Shop will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 863-676-1408 or visit boktoberfest.com for more information. Bok Tower Gardens is located in Lake Wales, Fla., not too far from Legoland in Winter Haven.