Lederhosen- and dirndl-clad celebrants at Oktoberfest. (Photo courtesy of Oktoberfest)
Oompah sounds and 1,200 event volunteers (some dressed in lederhosen and dirndls) will help set the mood and spark the fun as the 35th annual Oktoberfest descends upon Fredericksburg’s Marktplatz. It will be a weekend filled with all the quintessential makings of a festive German celebration.
Oktoberfest, Oct. 2-4
Celebrate 35 years of Texas gemütlichkeit with sizzling bratwurst, four stages of entertainment, arts and crafts, chicken dancing, a kids area, German and American foods and 50 beer taps. Oktoberfest is held at the Marktplatz (100 block of W. Main) from 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday, Oct. 3 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4
Definitions
Gemütlichkeit – Friendliness
Lederhosen – Leather shorts worn with suspenders
Dirndl – A dress with a tight bodice, short sleeves, apron, low neck and gathered skirt
Bierzelt – Beer tent
Prost – The German toast. “Cheers!”
Bier – Really? OK, fine. It means beer.
Show up at 9 a.m. on Saturday in front of Fredericksburg’s Market Square (100 Main St.) and get ready to line up and fly right for the Haupstrasse Chicken Dance. Bring family, friends and make new friends as you line up, hand-in-hand, for this Oktoberfest version of the line dance. It starts promptly at 9:30 a.m., so be there at the square.
Listen to talent performing at the OkTubaFest beginning at 5:45 p.m. Friday at Oktoberfest’s front gate. If you know how to play a tuba or euphonium (I don’t even know what that is, so that leaves me out.), you can join in. Just give them a call at 830/997-8515.
After working up an appetite from all the dancing and frolicking, you’ll be able to sup on wursts, schnitzel, pfeffernusse, potato pancakes, pretzels and kraut, among other savory cultural bites. Afterwards, head to the bierzelt, shout “Prost!,” and wash down the grub with craft bier from German exports to some of Texas’ best brews. Many of the beers are brewed especially for Oktoberfest.
Ernie Loeffler, president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau says “Oktoberfest is one of the great festivals sof Fredericksburg, bringing together hundreds of community volunteers who love to support and share this celebration of the German culture and heritage of our town and the Texas Hill Country.”
Visitors come from around Texas, the U.S., and indeed, from around the world to join in the three-day party. Whether it is dancing to polka music or consuming large amounts of Bratwurst and potato pancakes, everyong seems to have a great time at Oktoberfest.”
So make your way to Fredericksburg and be prepared to dine, drink and dance.
