There’s no crispness in the air.

No tinge of yellow, orange or red dappling the trees.

But the signs of autumn – Southwest Florida style – will be readily apparent this weekend:

Crisp potato pancakes.

Schnitzel freshly fried.

And beer. By the pitcher and by the stein.

Cape Coral’s six-day Oktoberfest opens today at the German-American Social Club on Pine Island Road where what has become the largest such celebration in the state will draw thousands over this weekend and next.

The event, the Cape’s largest, will mark its 34th year Oct. 18-20 and Oct. 25-27 on the social club’s grounds.

Dirndl or lederhosen is not required dress but expect dancers aplenty dressed in traditional garb as they step to the schuhplattler or, for those of us a tad less talented, the ever popular chicken dance. (Yes, it is likely you will be able to buy – and wear – a chicken hat.)

We always have a great time – and if hometown festivals are your thing, this is one you won’t want to miss, even if you have attended every one since 1975.

This year’s event will feature three stages with continuous live music, including two bands from Germany. There will be two areas for dancing.

The social club always serves up ethnic fare inside the von Steuben Hall for those who would like to enjoy a sit-down dinner and there will be multiple vendors offering not only the traditional potato pancakes and schnitzel but traditional German sausages and sides.

More typical food truck indulgences like pizza, burgers, dogs and gyros, and a kids area with rides add to the family atmosphere.

We thank the German-American Social Club for its efforts, and we thank the organization for its contributions to the community, which have had a big impact.

Events like these make Cape Coral the great place that it is to live.

Gemutlichkeit.

-Breeze editorial