The fourth annual Oktoberfest kicked off Friday with its special celebration of German culture and "much more" under the direction of ArtsQuest at its SteelStacks campus in South Bethlehem. The six-day festival, which resumes Oct.10 -12, has expanded its size and activities to coincide with a new free admission policy this year. The changes are designed to boost attendance by attracting more families and members of the Lehigh Valley community and beyond. Yuengling continues to be the principal supporter of Oktoberfest in Bethlehem. The festival's hours are 5 -11 p.m. Friday, noon - 11 p.m. Saturday and noon - 8 p.m. Sunday. More information is available at artsquest.org/oktoberfest and 610-332-1300.

LEFT: Cindi Greatsinger of Bethlehem and Mike Palmer of Salisbury Township polka in the streets as a pickup group of about a dozen musicians from the Moravian College Greyhound Marching Band plays assorted German-type music for fest-goers to enjoy. Dressed in traditional German festival attire, Greatsinger said she is a guest member of the Kastner Family Players, although she is not from Germany like those in the traveling group for festival appearances. More photos on page A5.