Festival celebrates German tradition, food
Ein Prosit der Gemuetlichkeit.
The traditional German greeting or "salute to happiness" is on tap for the 20th annual Oktoberfest, starting next weekend.
"This is the best event," said Harold Bajusz, president of the German-American Social Club of Cape Coral. "I'm very proud of the club. It's hard work to put this on."
This year's celebration will include popular German traditions, including dancing, live music, food, beer and craft items.
"We want people to see what it's all about," Bajusz said. "It's very interesting to experience a German celebration."
The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to honor the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig's marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Festivities center around garden tents where participants gather with friends for good food and drink.
Oktoberfest is one of the largest celebrations of the year in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, Bajusz said.
"It is very, very big," he said. "It goes for two weeks. It's not only the people who live there but visitors, too. A couple million people visit Munich just for Oktoberfest."
Beer is the most popular adult beverage at the celebration.
"Some of the best beers in the world are German beers," Bajusz said. "It's the way it's brewed. They're more flavorful."
German beers Erdinger, Kostritzer, Bitburger and Diebels are on tap this year, as well as American beer. German band Stadtkapelle Gundelfingen will make the trip from Bavaria to get people on their feet with traditional German and polka music.
"We always have a German band," Oktoberfest publicity chairwoman Margaret Terleckyj said. "I think that's what makes the Oktoberfest more German." The club's house band, Hafenkapelle, a 30-piece brass band, also will take the stage, playing a combination of German music and American hits from the big band era.
One of the most popular booths at Oktoberfest is the one run by Ernst Licht and his family-owned company. Licht makes the trip every year from Oley, Pa., with his traditional German clothing and gift items.
"Cape Coral has a lot of Germans," Daniel Licht, Ernst Licht's son, said. "They like the European quality gift ware, handmade jewelry, beer steins and glassware."
They also like the colorful, embroidered dirndl skirts and lederhosen, Licht said.
The family has created costumes for dancers at Busch Gardens and Disney World.
They also offer German music CDs, key chains, hats and shoes.
"We have such a variety of quality items," Licht said. "I think that's what really makes the business."
Oktoberfest is a family event, Bajusz said. Children under the age of 12 get in free. Rides and other events will help keep younger children entertained. "It's a very good family event because we've got a lot of games for the children," he said. "It's like going to a carnival. There's something for all ages. Miss Oktoberfest 2005, Christina Kaiser-Bryant, will be on hand to greet visitors.
Kaiser-Bryant, a native of Germany, was crowned in July. She attended local Oktoberfest events every year when she was growing up.
"I'll be the hostess," she said of the Cape Coral Oktoberfest. "I'll talk to people and make them feel welcomed. I'm looking forward to the interaction with members and guests."
Kaiser-Bryant, 21, said she will be easy to spot. She will wear the traditional dirndl skirt and Ms. Oktoberfest sash throughout the event.
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