CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
Organizers and vendors at Cape Coral’s Oktoberfest are ready for storms expected to bring strong winds and rain this weekend, with plans in place to keep the fun going.
The event has been a tradition for vendor Lori Rainer, who has celebrated Oktoberfest in Cape Coral for 12 years.
“My grandfather actually, we believe, was an orphan and came over on a ship working on a ship to the United States,” Rainer said.
Rainer has set up her booth to accommodate visitors during the rain.
“I’ve kind of set up my booth so that people can come inside of it. So, if it is raining, they can come inside and talk to me. They’re not standing outside at a table,” she said. “I’m trying to make it accommodating so that they can come in, still have conversations, stay out of the rain but still enjoy the festivities.”
Saturday is expected to be the rainiest day of the weekend, but organizers have made arrangements to shelter attendees. The largest tent at the festival can seat about 2,000 people, with additional space for those on the dance floor.
“If it starts to rain and people can’t sit outside anymore, they always come together in the tent, get a little closer, have more fun and enjoy it anyway,” said organizer Wolf Pech.
This is Pech’s second year organizing Oktoberfest and his 13th year celebrating it. He remains optimistic about the event.
“Thank God it doesn’t rain beer. Otherwise, people would go out with their steins [and] have them filled there so we can sell it in the tent, and people will have fun anyway,” Pech said.
While some parts of the festival grounds may not be protected from the rain, organizers and vendors are confident the weather won’t disrupt their plans.
For those unable to attend this weekend, Cape Coral’s Oktoberfest will continue next weekend at the German American Club.
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