CASEY BRADLEY GENT
\nLast weekend marked the end of the German-American Social Club of Cape Coral\u2019s 41st annual Oktoberfest. From left, festival attendees Marcy Hunt, Theresa Wells, Brenda Hepner and Cidalia Chiappetta.<\/p>\n
There were two weekends full of food, drink, cheer, dancing and so much more on the grounds of the German-American Social Club of Cape Coral.<\/p>\n
The 41st annual Oktoberfest celebration filled the Bavarian Gardens in the Cape, where it is one of the biggest events in the city each year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year\u2019s Oktoberfest went very well,\u201d said GASC President Wolf Pech. \u201cWe did better every day than last year other than the first Saturday, with rain bringing the result a little down compared to last year.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event is the region\u2019s premier celebration of German culture, cuisine and community spirit, where all walks of life can gather for some Gaudi (leg-slapping, joyous fun) and Gem\u00fctlichkeit (that warm feeling of belonging and being a part of something special).<\/p>\n
There was plenty of both to be had in Cape Coral the last two weekends, as 650 kegs were poured over six days.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe whole GASC is proud to celebrate an event like Oktoberfest and get our community involved, be it as guests or volunteers,\u201d Pech said. \u201cMy heartfelt thanks goes out to everybody helping us bring an event like this together. Seeing our community gather to enjoy authentic German and American music, dancing, is an unforgettable experience and a stimulation for our members to do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Attendees were treated to authentic home-style specialties, including schnitzel, bratwurst and pretzels, paired with imported German beers, domestic brews, wines and spirits. American festival classics and non-alcoholic beverages were also available.<\/p>\n
No Oktoberfest could have been complete without music under the big tent and throughout the grounds. The club\u2019s German friends straight from Bavaria \u2014 The Maselheimer Musikanten and Die Aichers \u2014 performed, while attendees danced away to local bands in the Biergarten.<\/p>\n
The festival grounds featured three music stages, three dance floors, and continuous foot-tapping performances from German bands and local musicians.<\/p>\n
The event welcomed opportunities to meet and grab a photo with Ms. Oktoberfest 2026, Christine Blasses.<\/p>\n
Blasses was born and raised in Bavaria and moved to the United States a few years ago. She joined the GASC about seven years ago and began to volunteer there.<\/p>\n
With the event that is planned year-round now over, the GASC will take a short break, but will return with a Christkindlesmarket on Dec. 12-13, followed by two Biergartenfests on Feb. 20-21, as well as March 20-21.<\/p>\n
The GASC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting German culture, heritage and community fellowship in Southwest Florida through social events, volunteer efforts and cultural traditions.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit gasc-capecoral.com.<\/p>\n
The German-American Social Club of Cape Coral is at 2101 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral.<\/p>\n