Lake Wales — Bok Tower Gardens will have free admission and fun for the whole family from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Boktoberfest on Saturday, October 20. One of Florida's favorite Octoberfest celebrations, the fourth annual plant sale has grown into a celebration that will feature a Biergarten with live entertainment, German food, craft and seasonal beers, face painting, silent auction and more. New this year, members will get a sneak peek and an opportunity to purchase the plants on Friday, October 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. Visit www.boktoberfest.com or call 863-676-1408 for more information.

"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 on Saturday will be provided by Jimmy and Eckhard German Oktoberfest Show, a three-member lederhosen ensemble performing authentic German music. Accordionist Jimmy Horzen sings and plays both piano and button accordions. Eckhard Wachsmuth hails from Stuttgart, Germany. He joins in the fun with vocals, yodeling, the Alpine Horn, Singing Saw, Wooden Laughter, Alpine Bells, Soup Spoons, and the Musical Schnitzel Baster. Their show will include sing-alongs, the traditional "Ein Prosit" toast, the birdie dance, current Oktoberfest hits, lots of audience participation, polkas, waltzes, comedy and more.

Polka Party Express host Wackie Jackie will serve as the Mayor of Boktoberfest along with his wife Mrs. Wackie. Heard weekly on WSMR radio in Sarasota, Wackie will emcee the other entertainment including jazz guitarist David Smith, The Porchdogs and Juggles the Clown. Live half-hour concerts will be performed on the 60 bell Singing Tower carillon at 1 and 3 p.m.

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. UF-IFAS Cooperative Extension Service agent emeritus, 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 4 p.m. New this year, a petting zoo will include a mini horse, cow, teacup pig, chickens, rabbits, goats and sheep. Face painting and air brush tattoos will be available for an additional fee. Pathfinder Outdoor Education will lead Family Tree Climbing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $12 per person ages 6 and up. Juggles the Clown will perform on the main stage at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Blue Palmetto Café will prepare authentic German food including brats, Reuben sandwiches, German potato salad and more. Concessions will be available from Little Joe's Grille located in the Biergarten including potato pancakes, bratwurst, chicken on a stick, Italian and Polish sausage, hot dogs, corn dogs, cabbage and noodles, veggie wraps, Greek options with tabouleh and hummus, funnel cake, desserts and more. A variety of keg and craft beers as well as wines, sodas and water will be available.

Underwriters include TD Bank (premier sponsor), TECO and Lanier Upshaw. Contact Emily Earle at 863-734-1212 or eearle@boktower.org for information on underwriting opportunities. Media partners include the Lake Wales News and WEDU. Additional support is provided by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Parking in the Gardens has been expanded and free satellite parking will be provided by the First Assembly of God Church. Shuttle transportation will be available at stops along the entrance road. 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. Pinewood Estate will offer self-guided tours  from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $5. Call 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktoberfest.com for more information.

About Bok Tower Gardens:
Voted Florida's best garden, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located 10 miles from LEGOLAND Florida, 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa near Lake Wales in Central Florida's rolling hills of citrus. Open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., last admission is 5 p.m. The Visitor Center, Café and Gift Shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $3 for ages 5-12. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. LEGOLAND ticket holders will receive free admission for children under 12. For more information contact Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales FL 33853; 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktowergardens.org

CONTACT:    Martin Corbin (Twitter: @MartinCorbin)

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