It was not the biggest crowd New Glarus Oktoberfest will see this weekend.

Thursday night had the misfortune of landing opposite a rare Thursday night Green Bay Packers home opener, leaving more open space than usual beneath the beer tent as the four-day festival got underway downtown.

But those who did come out made an evening of it.

The Steve Meisner Legacy Band played polka music from 6 to 10 p.m., giving the opening night the sound Oktoberfest regulars would expect. Couples and small groups took to the dance floor, beer flowed and the crowd settled into an evening that felt less packed than festive Fridays and Saturdays — but hardly short on fun.

Then attention shifted to the annual King and Queen Contest.