WILMINGTON -- The Olympic Regional Development Authority will host two major fall festivals again this year.

OKTOBERFEST

Whiteface Mountain will host its 17th-annual Oktoberfest, presented by Aubuchon Hardware, Oct. 4 and 5 at the ski area.

Oktoberfest activities will include original vendors; arts and crafts; children's rides, including the popular hayride; Bavarian food, drink and entertainment.

"We are thrilled to be back again sponsoring the 17th-annual Oktoberfest at Whiteface," Aubuchon Hardware Marketing Director Michael Mattson said in a news release from ORDA, which operates Whiteface.

Aubuchon is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

"It is a privilege to be part of an event with so much culture and tradition tied to it," Mattson said. "We enjoy seeing families come to the Adirondacks from near and far for the wunderbar fun and entertainment that Oktoberfest offers the region."

Die Schlauberger will make its yearly trek to Whiteface and perform under the entertainment tent outside the base lodge. Also performing will be the Lake Placid Bavarians and Ed Schenk on the accordion. The Schwarzenegger Connection is making its second Oktoberfest appearance. The Cloudspin Lounge will feature Schachtelgebirger Musikanten (Scha-Musi). New this year is OK Live, direct from Germany. This group will be performing a show combining music, singing, acrobatics and dancing.

The Cloudsplitter Gondola ride will bring visitors and residents alike to the summit of Little Whiteface for views of the Adirondack foliage.

The Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway will also be in operation, enabling visitors to journey to the top of the state's fifth highest peak.

Oktoberfest will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A free shuttle service will be provided both days.

Departure from the Olympic Center Box Office in Lake Placid takes place at 11 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m.

The bus will depart Whiteface and return to Lake Placid at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. (Saturday only), 7:30 p.m. (Saturday only) and 5:30 p.m. (Sunday only).

The shuttle will also service Wilmington, with stops at the Candyman, located on the corner of Routes 86 and 431, at noon and 5 p.m.