The Braühound says “Willkommen” to the Village Oktoberfest.

However you want to say it, Bainbridge Island’s Village District businesses are welcoming all islanders to the fourth annual Oktoberfest on Hildebrand Lane.

“It’s our way of thanking our customers,” said Linna Callaham who sells insurance on Hildebrand Lane.

Callaham is one of the event’s organizers.

Now in its fourth year, Hildebrand’s Oktoberfest has been growing in popularity each year.

“The first year we had about 200, last year we had 300,” said Patti Kelley, Bainbridge Island branch manager of the Kitsap Credit Union and another organizer.

“So it keeps growing,” she added.

From 5:00 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, the businesses from the Hildebrand Village District will celebrate Oktoberfest with live entertainment, fall ales from the Bainbridge Island Brewery, hors d’oeuvre and prizes.

The Bainbridge Island Review will be among the many businesses from the shopping district featured at the event.

“It goes all the way from Sole Mates near Safeway down through Bainbridge Travel and all the way down to the 911 building (911 Hildebrand Lane),” Kelley said.

A portion of Hildebrand Lane will be closed off to make room for booths and entertainment. A genuine “oom-pah” band will set the Bavarian ambiance, and businesses will each have their own Oktoberfest offerings, from sauerkraut to sausages, cookies to brownies, and, of course, pretzels.

The 911 building will feature beer provided by the island’s very own Bainbridge Island Brewery. Callaham’s “assistant” Dani, a Great Dane, will be on hand to great islanders in the festive mood.

A “passport” will be available for the Oktoberfest celebration. Collecting 10 stamps from booths and Hildebrand businesses will earn islanders entry into a drawing for a grand Bavarian prize worth $250; a gift basket filled with alpine delights such as fall ales and German cheeses. The passport will have map of all the businesses and booths.

The event is sponsored by the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, Kitsap Credit Union, Callaham Insurance, American West Bank, The Property Group, and Custom Printing Company.