Oktoberfest at Fort Benning Oct. 23-25

The List: The Sonnenschein Express

Meet the famous Bavarian band that's a highlight of Oktoberfest at Fort Benning every year. Here are seven facts to know before you witness them in person. And remember, if you don't see lederhosen you're in the wrong place!

1. The band hails from Orlando, Fla., which is why they're called The Sonnenschein Express. Sonnenschein means "sunshine" in German. (Sounds like it, too.)

2. The band has played around the world since 1989, and once played in a pops concert under the direction of Doc Severinsen. All of the members have performed before at Disney.

3. Expect to see them clad in their trademark performance attire -- authentic lederhosen! All of the members of the band have performed at Disney at one point or another.

4. The band uses many folk instruments from Germany, Austria and the Swiss Alps, including the button accordion, cow bells, the alpine xylophone and alphorns.

5. They're known for yodeling and encouraging crowd participation.

6. One of the band members, "Gentleman Jim" Buchmann is a famous jazz musician by trade.

7. Many of the band members have classical music training and play multiple instruments.

OKTOBERFEST SCHEDULE

Here's the complete Oktoberfest Schedule!

Friday, October 23

All evening: Food and beverages, some children's activities, and games and contests in the Biergarten

4-6 p.m.: Yodelers and Sonnenschein Express

6 p.m.: Keg Tapping Ceremony

6:30-7:30 p.m.: Sonnenschein Express

7:30 p.m.: Stein Hoisting Competition for women 21 and older

7:45-8:15pm: Yodelers

8:15 p.m.: Stein Hoisting Competition for men 21 and older

8:30-9:30 p.m.: Sonnenschein Express

9:30-10 p.m.: Yodelers

Saturday, October 24

7-8:45 a.m.: Registration for 10k Cross Country Run

9 a.m.: 10k Cross Country Run begins

10:30 a.m.: 10k Race Awards

10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Volksmarch (no registration required)

All day: Food & Beverages, Children activities, Staples Safari Zoo, Pony Rides, and Hay Rides (before sundown)

11 a.m.: Dog contest registration

Noon: Dog contest (Best Dressed, Doggie Doppleganger, Top Dog Trick)

Noon-5 p.m.: Pontoon Boat Rides (last boat departs at 5pm)

1 p.m.: Dachshund Derby

2 p.m.: Keg Tossing Contest

10 a.m.-noon: Pre-recorded music

Noon-5:45pm: Yodelers, Sonnenschein Express and the MCoE Band

5:45 p.m.: Stein Hoisting Competition for women 21 and older

6-6:45 p.m.: Maneuver Center of Excellence Band

6:45 p.m.: Stein Hoisting Competition for men 21 and older

7-10 p.m.: Sonnenschein Band and Yodelers

Sunday, October 25

All day: Food & Beverages, children's activities, Staples Safari Zoo, Pony and Hay Rides

11 a.m.-5 p.m.: Pontoon Boat Rides

Noon-1 p.m.: Yodelers

1-2 p.m.: Pre-recorded music

2-3 p.m.: Yodelers

3:30-5 p.m.: SKIES Cheerleaders perform

5-6 p.m.: Pre-recorded music

This story was originally published October 21, 2015 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Oktoberfest at Fort Benning Oct. 23-25 ."