Gene Ruemkorff was busy grilling bratwurst, applewurst and pork steaks Saturday at the second annual Oktoberfest at Zion United Church of Christ when asked what an "applewurst" was.
"Basically it's just a bratwurst that has been made with applesauce added," he said. "That makes it a little bit sweeter and more moist. People like it, that's for sure!"
Apparently, lots of people like it as a large number of guests stood in a long line to sample some of the authentic German fare on the church grounds. That put a smile on church member and chairwoman of the event, Jill Baker.
Baker said that by day's end, the church fully expected to serve upwards of 600 to 700 people.
"When we first held the event last year, we didn't really know what to expect in terms of crowd numbers," she said. "After over 400 turned out for that one, and with such great weather today, we're planning for 600 to 700."
In addition to the wide array of authentic German food offered, the guests were entertained throughout by the Waterloo German Band.
It was a smart move by planners, according to guest, Tom Ziglinski, of Marion.
"I like the German band! It adds a lot to the overall atmosphere."
According to Baker, the money raised at this year's Oktoberfest will be used to finish paying off recent repairs to the church building and to further their outreach in both the community and around the world.
