There’s a touch of crispness in the air today.

But the real signs of autumn — Southwest Florida style — is not the weather.

It’s crisp potato pancakes.

Schnitzel freshly fried and drippin’ with gravy.

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 and certainly one of its best, will mark its 38th year Oct. 20-22 and Oct. 27-29 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, all the more awaited as Ian forced a cancellation last year, will feature three stages with continuous live music, including local favorites and bands from Germany. There will be two areas for dancing.

New this year is an additional sponsor — Jaegermeister — and limited VIP tickets featuring admission, special seating, drink specials, a sit-down meal inside in the Von Steuben Hall, a glass Hofbrauhaus beer stein, refills, and more.

As always, there will be multiple vendors offering not only the traditional potato pancakes and schnitzel but authentic 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