Bringing back the gemutlichkeit
German American Social Club to hold first of four Biergartenfests this weekend
While the extravaganza that is Oktoberfest had to be cancelled due to Hurricane Ian, the German American Social Club of Cape Coral is doing its best to bring back that feeling of gemutlichkeit — a German word that conveys the feeling warmth, friendliness and good cheer.
Starting this weekend, the GASC will provide a series of weekend events at their Biergarten and hall, looking to let out some pent-up sprit of not being able to put on one of the largest events in Southwest Florida.
“We’ve got a lot of stored-up energy because we were going to work non-stop for two weeks in October, but instead we got different plans,” said GASC President Steve Bauer. “This particular event for this weekend is looking to be a make-up for the lost Oktoberfest as much as possible.”
This coming Saturday and Sunday, the entire community is invited to join the Biergartenfest festivities in the Bavarian Gardens, where the club is planning to make up for lost time. Sensational and traditional aromas will fill the air with food options ranging from brats, schnitzel sandwiches, potato pancakes, and Apfelstrudel, while sit-down dinners with a choice of Sauerbraten or Schnitzel will be served in the Von Steuben Hall (get there earlier in the day). The Gardens will feature traditional German music with the Manni Daum Trio and Hafenkapelle, while on Saturday night, Deb & the Dynamics will bring the house down until 10 p.m.
“We’ve got some German bands and German music all day long on Sunday,” Bauer said. “It’s a bigger footprint from any Biergartenfest from previous winters.”
Moving into March, Southwest Florida can continue the party at the St. Patrick’s Biergartenfest on March 11-12 which will feature Guinness, corned beef, shepherd’s pie, bangers, fish & chips, as well as alternating Irish and German musicians, and another Biergartenfest on March 25-26. The final event before the summer break is set for the weekend of April 15-16.
While this weekend’s event won’t have all the traditional vendors and be a full-blown Oktoberfest, it’s a welcome sight to see the club be able to present entertainment on the beautiful grounds again.
“We’ve been working hard. We’re not 100%, but we’re close enough,” Bauer said. “We’ve still got some things we have to upgrade and replace, but we are fully operational.”
Tickets to this weekend’s event are $5 and parking is free. Hours are Saturday from noon until 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 8 p.m.
The club, at 2101 Southwest Pine Island Road, opens its doors to members and the public for dinner and dancing every Friday night at 5:30. Visit gasc-capecoral.com for more information.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com