Corey Friedman | Daily Journal A polka troupe performs on the streets of downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, during the city’s annual Oktoberfest USA festivities in October 2013. Richmond County will host its first Hoptoberfest this year featuring craft beers from across North Carolina.

ROCKINGHAM — County residents can sample dozens of North Carolina craft beers at the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Hoptoberfest.

The festival is planned for 4-7 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Richmond Plaza Shopping Center in Rockingham in partnership with Chamber member Tri-City Inc. Advance tickets are $30 until Sept. 25, when the price goes up to $35.

“Due to the popularity of this type of event, the chamber urges advance ticket purchases as we anticipate a sell-out,” chamber President Emily Tucker said in a statement. Attendance is estimated at around 500.

Board of Directors Chairman Brian Baucom said a planning session produced the idea. A steering committee headed up by board member Rodger Moore of K2 Solutions organized and scheduled the outdoor festival.

Confirmed participants include Southern Pines Brewery, Railhouse Brewery, Mash House Brewery, Dirtbag Ales, Aviator and Cypress Bend Vineyards. Organizers said other Tar Heel State brewers may be added.

Hoptoberfest will feature North Carolina craft beers and wineries from around the state to an audience of locals and regional visitors, a wing contest sponsored by Perdue Farms and music by the Tim Clark Band, which opened the city of Rockingham’s Plaza Jam concert series on May 7.

Proceeds from Hoptoberfest will support the Richmond County Chamber’s initiatives.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the event, visit https://hoptoberfestnc.eventsmart.com or contact chamber staff. Sponsorships are also available by calling the chamber at 910-895-9058.

With nearly 400 members, the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce is the county’s largest business advocacy organization. Visit www.richmondcountychamber.com for more information.