Oktoberfest: A Celebration

In the United States it often occurs where many places where people can trace their ancestry back to Germany.  Recently, on a visit to Fredericksburg, I asked if there was a celebration of Oktoberfest, and was told it is a large celebration.  Their claim to have the largest in the United States might be true, or might be an exaggeration by one of their local residents.  Perhaps one year in the near future I can find out for myself how large it really is.

The New Orleans area has a German heritage group that holds an Oktoberfest annually.  But, the local celebration is only on Friday through Sunday for three consecutive weekends.  Last year the three weekends were all in October, so the idea of having a September celebration was not done.  I attended, and had no problem with the slight change of time.  I have also attended an Oktoberfest in a small community about sixty miles to the west of New Orleans, but in a large venue that was designed to draw people from a wide area.  

From my limited experience Oktoberfest should have a band playing traditional German music, and might even have German dancers.  German food is present.  At the New Orleans area Oktoberfest I enjoyed a meal of German food.  One could eat sausage, there was a choice of three, sauerkraut, potato salad, and I believe beans.  Chicken and pork are also usually served. 

The decorations were in the blue and white diamond pattern of the flag of Bavaria, and the red, gold, and black of the German flag. 

Booths sold German related items.  One booth sold German pastries, another has German cheese in many varieties.  We bought at these two, and took the items home for later enjoyment after enjoying some at the site. 

Of course beer was available.  

One thing I doubt is prevalent elsewhere was a small fenced in area.  It was for the races, and as I left I passed at least one of the racers going in.  The race was for dachshunds.  

You can join the festivities at home with a party.   You could enhance things with Bavarian themed decorations and serving pieces.  The colors are blue and white, and the use of small diamond shapes is the design.

You may also want German music playing in the background.

And, if the date of your celebration is slightly off, so what?  There is no time limit on having fun.

The food is relatively easy.  German sausage such as bratwurst, is an easy to serve item.  Just cook a large batch and place them in a platter for your guests.  Potato Salad and Sauerkraut can be served in serving bowls.  And, you can have chicken for those not with a palate for German sausage.   

You might even have a platter with German cheese, or even better you could have blocks of cheese on a cheese board so your guests can cut their own.

Of course Bavarian chocolate cake is a good choice for dessert.  But there are so many other choices.

And beer is the drink for adults.  But do have other items available, especially if you include children.

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