A milestone celebration for one of Cape Coral\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The German American Club of Cape Coral\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe feel great about this year\u2019s event,\u201d said festival co-chair Ed Freund. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The GASC\u2019s Oktoberfest ran across the last two weekends, where the community, regardless of cultural background, gathered for some Gaudi (leg-slapping, joyous fun) and Gem\u00fctlichkeit (that warm feeling of belonging and being a part of something special).<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s 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 \u2013 everything from Polka to Fliegerlied, and of course, the Bobb and Chicken Dance. There were at least 600 kegs tapped before the event ended.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe always love seeing the smiles on everyone\u2019s faces,\u201d Freund said. \u201cIt is a lot of work\u2026 but once the gates open and the music starts, it\u2019s a lot of fun for everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
GASC officials said the Knappenkapelle Korpfm\u00fchl 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\u2019s mining heritage. This was their fourth appearance at Oktoberfest.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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, \u201cKABEGL,\u201d 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\u2019finnity, The Outsiderz, Bad Latitude, and School of Rock.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe love being able to bring in authentic German bands,\u201d Freund said. \u201cOur music director finds our bands, and we have a rotating schedule and keep bringing authentic German music to Oktoberfest.\u201d<\/p>\n
Guests were fawning over homemade-style dishes such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels, along with American favorites from local\u00a0food 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was one of the most successful Oktoberfests we\u2019ve had,\u201d Freund said. \u201cDefinitely the best in the past three years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a six-day party that\u2019s only rivaled by the Munich Oktoberfest. We\u2019re the biggest in our region. Once people come, they tend to come back again and again.\u201d<\/p>\n
And what would Oktoberfest be without Ms. Oktoberfest?<\/p>\n
Sara Skorak won the crown this past July and represented the club as the face of the event.<\/p>\n
She said she made her rounds, greeted attendees, and took photos.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With GASC personnel and volunteers, the event wouldn\u2019t be possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of our members are volunteers,\u201d Freund said. \u201cWe couldn\u2019t hope to do it without them. One of the banners we have up here says, \u2018Our volunteers don\u2019t get paid not because they\u2019re worthless, but because they\u2019re priceless.’\u201d<\/p>\n
Freund, who said he\u2019ll start working on next yea\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe appreciate the support we get from the community,\u201d he said. \u201cFor anyone who didn\u2019t make it this year, we encourage you to come out next year, and you won\u2019t regret it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The GASC hosts various events on its grounds year-round.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For more information, visit\u00a0www.gasc-capecoral.com.<\/p>\n
The GASC is at 2101 Southwest Pine Island Road.<\/p>\n