Douglas Oktoberfest Closes Vendor Rolls at Record 131, Rejects Late Lemonade Bid

DOUGLAS -- September 29, 2025, Douglas Oktoberfest committee turns away last-minute lemonade vendor, locks in record 131 booths. Meeting four days before the annual festival, the committee voted to reject a Dell's Lemonade applicant who had applied five days out, citing an existing policy against duplicate vendor categories and concern that two already-confirmed lemonade vendors would object. "We make a statement that we only have so many of one thing," one member said. A hot dog and hamburger vendor who faxed an incomplete Board of Health form from Worcester, missing certifications and an Oktoberfest application, was also turned away. The 131-vendor total is the highest in the festival's history. Electrical installations at two festival sites remained unfinished as of Monday; a contractor identified as Mike said both would be completed Tuesday afternoon. A confirmed bartender named Marnie withdrew due to illness, prompting outreach to a backup source at a local establishment called Greater Good. Overnight parking on Main Street, Pleasant Street, Lower Depot Street, and A Street will be prohibited Friday night ahead of Saturday's event.