Oktoberfest, the family-oriented German event taking place in the center of Fredericksburg, is poised to again attract 1,300 volunteers and 20,000 visitors in its 37th year.
As a result, the oom-pah-pah echo of 36 previous years will carry over in the hearts and minds of people who have made the event an annual tradition, many who traversed hundreds of miles to attend.
And for others, the event reminds them of Gillespie County organizations and young people who accomplished artistic endeavors thanks to Oktoberfest proceeds.
Oktoberfest Event Producer Debbie Farquhar said the 36th Oktoberfest is set for October 6-8, 2017 at MarktPlatz (Market Square). “I’m looking forward to the fun, excitement and the gemütlichkeit. It will be a great time for all ages.”
The engaging sights and sounds of the annual event are of Fredericksburg’s German heritage, harkening to the first Oktoberfest near Munich in 1810, and to 1981, when Oktoberfest was first held in Fredericksburg.
Four covered stages host a continuous parade of entertainers. The focus is the German favorites of
oompah, polka, and waltzing, with a Lederhosen and Stein Hoist contest, and plenty of opportunities for
dancing - including the irresistible “Chicken Dance!” Bands scheduled to perform this year include Oma
& The Oompahs, Sound Connection, Red Ravens, Arion Maennerchor, Comal Community Band, Jodie Mikula Orchestra, Austin Polka Band, German Schuhplattlers, Seven Dutchmen, Walburg Boys,
Polkamatics, Boerne Village Band, Ennis Czech Boys, Hermann Sons Choir, Cloverleaf Orchestra, Czech elody Masters, Czechaholics, Czech & Then Some, Chris Rybak, Alpine Village Band, Off The Grid, Tubameisters, Fredericksburg Filharmonic, Akkordion Klub of Fredericksburg, Yodel Blitz, Herschel Moody, Shirley Johnson, and Beer & Hymns and more.
Oktoberfest attracts many visitors just for the shopping opportunities. Over forty juried artisans from across the state fill two big tents, offering their best arts and collectibles. In another tent, a select group
of local Hill Country artists will be selling their fine art to the public in a rare showing. Many find it the ideal opportunity to start their holiday shopping with many unique, handmade gift items.
Of course the best part of any celebration in Fredericksburg is the hearty menu of delicious German and American foods. Over a dozen vendors will be serving up a variety of sausage on a stick and plates with kraut, potato pancakes, plus other scrumptious goodies. Adventurous tasters can sample over 50 varieties of German, American, Texan and other imported beers.
Oktoberfest is a time for the youngsters as well. Kids can play to their heart’s content on the bungee jump and slide, try their hand at three hi-strikers, or enjoy other fun games and activities, including a magician and face painter.
An Angle on the Arts
The Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance (PCAA) began and orchestrates the Fredericksburg Oktoberfest, and proceeds are used to fund youth arts and music scholarships, as well as community arts and music programs. Oktoberfest started in Fredericksburg with the specific intent to support the arts and music, and it is the only fund-raiser PCAA has each year. Its success has enabled many young people to go to college and study the arts or music. The Oktoberfest proceeds also funds many local arts organizations.
Debbie Farquhar has worked with volunteers to produce the charitable event since 1992. “Oktoberfest makes it possible for us to have 10 to 15 local students studying the arts each year. We provide scholarships to help pay for their education,” she said. “It also enables us to support local arts programs.”
For more information, visit oktoberfestinfbg.com, or call 830-997-4810.
