Oktoberfest among ‘most successful yet’
A milestone celebration for one of Cape Coral’s biggest events wrapped up this past weekend, as the 40th year of Oktoberfest concluded with a final round of steins filled with beer and plates of food served.
The German American Club of Cape Coral’s signature event, Oktoberfest drew tens of thousands to the Bavarian Garden grounds, bringing their version of the staple event in Munich to life here locally.
“We feel great about this year’s event,” said festival co-chair Ed Freund. “It was really everything we had hoped for. We put a lot of work into making our 40th year a success, and I think we achieved that for ourselves and the community.”
The GASC’s Oktoberfest ran across the last two weekends, where the community, regardless of cultural background, gathered for some Gaudi (leg-slapping, joyous fun) and Gemütlichkeit (that warm feeling of belonging and being a part of something special).
This year’s ruby anniversary of the event could have been the biggest yet, according to organizers, with numbers still being tallied. Each day and evening was filled with fun, delicious food, German beer and spirits, live music, and dancing – everything from Polka to Fliegerlied, and of course, the Bobb and Chicken Dance. There were at least 600 kegs tapped before the event ended.
“We always love seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces,” Freund said. “It is a lot of work… but once the gates open and the music starts, it’s a lot of fun for everybody.”
With music-makers flown in from Germany, alongside performances by local favorites and entertainment for all ages, there was plenty of entertainment that was enjoyed.
GASC officials said the Knappenkapelle Korpfmühl just loves the community, and returned once again to be a part of the fun. The band was formed in 1963, and is a vibrant part of Bavaria’s mining heritage. This was their fourth appearance at Oktoberfest.
The festival grounds featured three music stages, three dance floors, and continuous foot-tapping performances from German bands and popular local musicians. Additional entertainment was provided by Edelweiss Echo, “KABEGL,” Hafenkapelle, The Manni Daum Trio, Guns n Hoses Pipes & Drums, Kellyn Celtic Arts, The Boots, Deb & The Dynamics, Remedy, Mockingbird, Danny Masters Band, Soapy Tuna, A’finnity, The Outsiderz, Bad Latitude, and School of Rock.
“We love being able to bring in authentic German bands,” Freund said. “Our music director finds our bands, and we have a rotating schedule and keep bringing authentic German music to Oktoberfest.”
Guests were fawning over homemade-style dishes such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels, along with American favorites from local food trucks. There were hundreds and hundreds of traditional meals served inside the Von Steuben Hall. As always, a full selection of German and domestic beverages, and this year, local craft breweries joined in on the fun. Families got to experience the carnival area, rides, and games, while shoppers browsed handcrafted goods, souvenirs, and Oktoberfest collectibles.
“This was one of the most successful Oktoberfests we’ve had,” Freund said. “Definitely the best in the past three years.
“It’s a six-day party that’s only rivaled by the Munich Oktoberfest. We’re the biggest in our region. Once people come, they tend to come back again and again.”
And what would Oktoberfest be without Ms. Oktoberfest?
Sara Skorak won the crown this past July and represented the club as the face of the event.
She said she made her rounds, greeted attendees, and took photos.
Freund said the club continues to improve on the event, such as continuing its VIP ticket experience, bringing in more entertainment, expanding food and drink, and making Oktoberfest a memorable event for all that attend.
With GASC personnel and volunteers, the event wouldn’t be possible.
“All of our members are volunteers,” Freund said. “We couldn’t hope to do it without them. One of the banners we have up here says, ‘Our volunteers don’t get paid not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.'”
Freund, who said he’ll start working on next yea’s Oktoberfest in May, shared a big thank you to the community for another great year of raising a glass, stein, or bottle, and unforgettable memories, fun, and smiles.
“We appreciate the support we get from the community,” he said. “For anyone who didn’t make it this year, we encourage you to come out next year, and you won’t regret it.”
The GASC hosts various events on its grounds year-round.
For more information, visit www.gasc-capecoral.com.
The GASC is at 2101 Southwest Pine Island Road.