Oompah!

Break out the bratwurst and raise your mug – it’s time for Oktoberfest! This Saturday, Southwest Harbor’s Oktoberfest and Food Festival will feature 60 beers and ales from Maine breweries, music and traditional German fare, along with seafood, Asian food, New England cuisine, chili, smoked foods and a dessert spread. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Smuggler’s Den Campground. For information, call 244-9264 or (800) 423-9264.

Next Saturday, Oct. 14, Mid-Maine Arts Partners and the city of Waterville will hold their Oktoberfest celebration. In addition to a beer tasting and bratwurst, there will be live music, arts and crafts and family activities. The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. at Head of Falls. For information, call 877-9528.

Maine courses

Have a taste for native food? Restaurants around the state have teamed up with the department of agriculture to create the first Maine Menus Month. Through October, diners can sample dishes made with local products at participating restaurants, rank the dish, and get a chance to win a weekend getaway at a Maine bed and breakfast, a state park pass, a basket of Maine products or a native wool blanket. For a list of participating restaurants, call 287-3491 or visit www.getrealmaine.com.

Cheez Wizardry

Who knew? Cheez Whiz will remove grease stains from clothes, Campbell’s classic tomato soup works as a great meat tenderizer, and a paste made from Cheerios purifies the skin. Joey Green, who wrote such favorites as “Wash Your Hair with Whipped Cream” and “Paint Your House with Powdered Milk,” has been described as Heloise from hell. And now he’s back with “Clean Your Clothes with Cheez Whiz” ($9.95, Renaissance Books), which discloses the alter egos of your favorite foods and household products. It’s in bookstores now.