Col. Todd Allison, garrison commander, U.S. Army Garrison Rock Island Arsenal, and Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general, Army Sustainment Command, ceremoniously top off their mugs during the ceremonial opening and “keg tapping” of the Rocktoberfest event held in the Lock & Dam Lounge on Rock Island Arsenal on Oct. 15.

Members of the Guttenberg German Band, a traditional German/Bavarian village band with members from Guttenberg, Iowa and surrounding towns, play during the Rocktoberfest event held in the Lock & Dam Lounge on Rock Island Arsenal on Oct. 15.

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Illinois – (Oct. 15, 2021) The annual Rocktoberfest that has taken place seven years running, took place on Oct. 15 at the Lock & Dam Lounge and was a complete success. The event was attended not only by a wide range of the workforce and on-post housing residents, but also saw some individuals from the general public who were also invited to the event.

The ceremonial opening was marked by a “keg tapping” by the installation senior commander Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general, Army Sustainment Command, Col. Todd Allison, garrison commander, U.S. Army Garrison Rock Island Arsenal, and Command Sgt. Maj. Marco Torres, command sergeant major, Army Sustainment Command.

. Both welcomed everyone into attendance and then ceremoniously topped off his beer stein to mark the beginning of the event that included beverages, food, bands, and activities for the whole family.

The evening was kicked off by the Guttenberg German Band, a traditional German/Bavarian village band with members from Guttenberg, Iowa and surrounding towns. Later the musical entertainment transitioned to Cody Road, a top 40 Quad Cities country/rock band.

Beverage options included Samuel Adams’ Octoberfest, Backpocket’s Hawktoberfest, O’Fallon Brewery’s Vanilla Pumpkin Beer, Lena Brewery’s Oktoberfest, Shiner Brewery’s Oktoberfest, and Whole Hog Brewery’s Pumpkin Ale. The annual event was marked with the availability of an official beer stein; each year’s stein has featured a different landmark from somewhere on Arsenal Island – this year’s stein featured the Government Bridge.

Food options at the event included schnitzel, a pretzel with beer cheese, as well as bratwurst and fries.

Children’s activities included two bounce houses, giant checkers, giant jenga, and bags.

Numerous people dressed up in lederhosen or dirndl and other authentic German clothing associated with Oktoberfest traditions.