The Kodak Gnome Photo Contest will add to the fun of this year's Rocktoberfest, a celebration of German music, food and culture at Rock City.
Bands from throughout the Southeast will set the stage for the rest of the month's festivities, scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday in October. Performing this weekend are Die Mitternaechters from Birmingham, Ala.
Bands will play at 12:30, 2, 3:15 and 4:15 p.m. Polka lessons will be offered at noon and 1:30 p.m. Special souvenirs include novelty hats and beer mugs.
For the photo contest, participants can bring a gnome from home, buy one in the gift shop or photograph one already along the Enchanted Trail. Photos must be sent to Meagan@rockruby.com or uploaded to Rock City's Facebook page by Sunday. The winner will receive a Kodak M-series camera.
This is Rock City's fifth annual German celebration, according to Kim Jackson, director of special events.
"Between live German music, polka lessons, kids activities and delicious food like bratwursts, rosemary potatoes and homemade sauerkraut, there is truly something for everyone here," Jackson said.
Also available during October are the iconic Rock City birdhouses painted in pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Only 200 are available, with proceeds going to Scenic City Survivors (www.sceniccitysurvivors.org).
Find out more at www.seerockcity.com/rocktoberfest.
MUSIC ON TAP
Remaining Rocktoberfest bands:
* Oct. 16-17: Music Meisters of Nashville.
* Oct. 23-24: Alpine Mountain Band of Nashville.
* Oct. 30-31: Laurentz und die Katven of Atlanta.