Oktoberfest Celebrates 32 Years of Texas Gemütlichkeit

Oompah at its Best, the aroma of sizzling bratwurst, and the cries of “prosit!” once again herald the arrival of Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, Texas, October 5-7, 2012. For three full days, the whole world is invited to sing, toast and dance at one of Fredericksburg’s favorite festivals, celebrating its 32nd year of Texas gemütlichkeit (cosiness)!

Oktoberfest is growing; we are adding two new-tented areas with lots more seating. Strassen Zelt (Street Tent) will be located on Adams Street. Strassen Zelt area will have a souvenir booth, photo booth, Paulaner Bier, plenty of seating under a huge colorful tent, domino tournament on Sunday plus more fun over the three days.

Adding more to our fun, there will be an OktubaFest on Friday afternoon, we invite any and all tuba and euphonium players to participate. Saturday morning, join us for our “Chicken Dance On Main Street in front of the Square”. Registration will begin at 9:00 AM, and the first 320 registrants will receive a special surprise. Chicken Dancing starts at 9:45 AM sharp. On Sunday, the 42 (dominoes) tournament begins at 1:00 PM in Strassen Zelt, as well as sing-a-longs in the Main Street Musik Zelt.

Three covered stages host a continuous parade of entertainers. The focus is the German favorites of oompah, polka, and waltzing, with exhibitions, contests, and plenty of opportunities for dancing - including the irresistible “Chicken Dance!” Some of the bands scheduled to perform this year include Jodie Mikula Orchestra, Oma & The Oompahs, TubaMeisters, Fredericksburg Filharmonic, Polkamatics, Havlak-Batla Polka Time Band, The Sound Connection, Shirley Johnson, Herschel Moody, Czech & Then Some, Arion Maennerchor, Band Aids Jazz Band, Hermann Sons Mixed Choir, Janak’s Polka Band, Swingin’ Dutchmen, Boerne Village Ensemble, Walburg Boys, Ennis Czech Boys, Boerne Village Band, Comal Community Band, The Czech Melody Masters, Eklectic Swing Trio and Seven Dutchmen. Also on hand to entertain the crowds will be the Czech Folk Dancers of West and the Cadence Cloggers.

Oktoberfest attracts many visitors just for the shopping opportunities. Over 45-juried artisans from across the state fill two big tents, offering their best arts and collectibles. In yet another tent, a select group of 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 Mexican-American foods. Over a dozen vendors will be sizzling up fajitas, tacos, burgers and fries, as well as a variety of sausage on a stick and plates with kraut, Cajun goodies, strudel, plus other scrumptious surprises. Adventurous tasters can sample over 50 varieties of American, Texan and imported beers.

Oktoberfest is great fun for the youngsters as well. Kids can play to their heart’s content on the Bungee Jump, Super slide, Bubble tower, and other fun games and activities.

Since its inception in 1981, Oktoberfest has been sponsored by the Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance. Community volunteers provide the labor, and all funds are used for student scholarships and to support the local arts.

Oktoberfest hours are 6:00 PM to midnight Friday, 10:00 AM to midnight Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Sunday. Admission is $6, $1 for children 6-12, and under 6 free. Two-day passes are $10; three-day passes are $15. Advance ticket sales are welcome.

More information on Oktoberfest and Fredericksburg is available by contacting Oktoberfest, PO Box 222, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624, by calling 830-997-4810 or at www.oktoberfestinfbg.com.