Oktobertfest continues today through Sunday
The 33rd annual Oktoberfest is off and running, as over 20,000 celebrants made their way to The German-American Social Club of Cape Coral last weekend for freshly poured brews, authentic German delectables and, of course, chicken dance competitions.
The celebration is bigger and better-than-ever this year, with record numbers of kegs being tapped and German flavors bringing eye-opining bites to new or familiar palates alike.
“Everybody brought their friends and family, resulting in 350 kegs of German beer sold- that’s why nobody can deny us,” said Oktoberfest chairman Juergen Wolfgang Schmidt, with a smile. “Authentic German currywurst, which is the equivalent to the American hot dog-people are amazed by the flavor.”
The pageantry that goes into this event brings the true spirit of the world- famous event in Munich, to life, right here in Southwest Florida.
Lederhosens and dirndls were the attire of choice-the traditional German garments worn fashionably by staff and patrons, providing even more of an authentic feel to the festival.
The Gemutlichkeit, a German word that conveys the feeling of warmth, friendliness and good cheer, had a prolific presence in the atmosphere over the weekend.
A German band, all the way from Bavaria, took to the stage, along with local acts providing a mix of traditional folk and pop German music.
“The German bands rocked the stage,” said Schmidt. “And Cape Coral’s very own Jaid Johnson took everyone’s breath away with her performance of our national anthem (America’s) on the main stage. She is Cape Coral’s Taylor Swift of the future.”
Miss. Oktoberfest 2018, Cheyenne Schwind, had a busy first weekend herself, but was all smiles, taking it all in and enjoying the experience.
“I had so much fun last weekend representing the German-American Social Club. I was able to meet people from Germany and many other parts of the world, which was an amazing experience,” she said. “I also loved that so many customers from the family store, Geier’s Sausage Kitchen, drove all the way down from Port Charlotte to see me at the fest. They tell me I am in the news every day and that I am now a local celebrity in my town. I have also really enjoyed the dancing, the great food, and of course the German beer. If you were not able to make it the first weekend, I hope to see you this weekend. Prost!”
Volunteers working the 300-foot festival tent and two-acre Bavarian Biergarten were churning out drafts and dances over the first three days of the event.
German dishes such as bratwurst, knackwurst, currywurst, schweinshaxe, schnitzel and potato pancakes were devoured.
“The schweinshaxe is a pound heavier than last year, and is so full of meat, it can now be a meal for two,” Schmidt said. “Our knackwurst directly from our German butcher-it literally knocks you out when you bite it.”
Authentic currywurst, the No. 1 street food in Germany, is being prepared by The Doner restaurant in Cape Coral.
Schmidt praised the secret flavors of Doner’s tomato sauce.
The final three days of Oktoberfest are this weekend; hours being 4 p.m.-midnight on Friday, noon-midnight Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, though there will be an after-party Sunday night inside of the club until 11.
Tickets are $6 and children under 12 are free, as is parking.
Police, fire, EMS and active military with valid ID or badge will have complimentary admission for themselves and one guest.
Schmidt has deep roots in the public service realm, as he was part of the Cape Coral Fire Department when he first moved to Cape Coral in ’93.
The club is also conducting a disaster aid drive for victims of Hurricane Michael.
Free admission is available on Sunday, between noon and 3 p.m. for each person who brings in three or more non-perishable or disaster relief items.
“I am happy and humbled that the community is pulling together so fast for the people that are hurting up north due to Hurricane Michael,” said Schmidt. “The German-American Social Club is proud to be part of hurricane relief efforts.”
After the first weekend, the club has assembled 14 pallets of dry and canned goods, having to bring in a box truck to transport all of the items.
Donations also can also be dropped off at the club daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
“You don’t have to be German to come here, everybody’s welcome,” Schmidt said. “Everybody who wants to be out in the air partying and having a good time with their families, please come see us.”
The German-American Social Club is at 2101 SW Pine Island Road in Cape Coral.
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