Editorial | Ah, Oktoberfest!
The leaves don’t change colors.
We don’t break out sweaters or blankets.
We don’t even turn off the AC.
The traditional signs of autumn in Southwest Florida is not the weather.
It’s crisp potato pancakes.
Schnitzel freshly fried and drippin’ with gravy.
And beer.
By the pitcher, by the stein and, literally, by the keg with 700-800 lined up to quench the thirst of celebrants drawn to what is touted as Cape Coral’s biggest cultural party.
Cape Coral’s six-day Oktoberfest opens today at the German-American Social Club on Pine Island Road where the largest such celebration in the state will draw an estimated 30,000-plus celebrants over this weekend and next.
The event, the Cape’s largest and certainly one of its best, will mark its 40h anniversary Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26 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 festival will feature three stages offering non-stop live music, including local favorites and bands from Germany. There will be at least two dance floors.
For those who want to up their experience, special VIP passes include admission, a special tent area with private bar and bathrooms, drink specials and beer refills, a sit-down meal inside the air-conditioned Von Steuben Hall, anniversary T-shirts, swag bags 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 through the years, and we thank the organization for its many 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