[ad_1]
Like St. Patrick’s Day, when everyone seems to be Irish, in the fall more people tend to claim their German ancestry – thanks to the Munich happening in the global community including Frederick Oktoberfest event.
Most Oktoberfests promise to satisfy thirsty patrons, play old-fashioned drinking songs, and serve delicious food.
The Frederick Oktoberfest at Frederick Fairgrounds on September 30th and October 1st is no exception.
There’s something special to celebrate this year: its 25th anniversary.
Frederick Oktoberfest was originally organized by Community Life, now Carroll Creek Rotary with the support of South Frederick County Rotary and Smoketown (Brunswick) Rotary organized this event.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to several local nonprofits and causes.
“People can come out and eat, drink, and have fun, knowing that the proceeds benefit the community,” said Carroll Creek Rotary member Jeff Griffin, who chairs this year’s event.
Griffin expects to distribute at least $65,000 to $70,000 this year.
What makes Frederick’s Oktoberfest particularly noticeable is that our local German traditions existed before the city was founded. John Thomas Schley from Melzheim, Germany, was one of Frederick’s first European settlers to arrive here in 1745. He built what is believed to be the city’s first home on the intersection of East Patrick Street and Maxwell Avenue. He is considered an important member of the New Town, running a tavern, serving as a principal and leading the Reformed, the evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ in downtown Frederick today.
Then came the Brunner family from Schifferstadt, Germany, who came to Frederick County around 1736 and planted more than 300 acres west of town. In 1758, the second generation of the family built a stone house along Carroll Creek that still stands today and is aptly named Schifferstadt.
The city of Frederick has sister-city relationships with Molzheim and Schifferstadt.
German influences can be found throughout the festival. There will be four beer stations offering local craft beers from Brewers Alley, Smoketown Brewery and Flying Dog Brewery. Of course, there will also be some international offerings, including Spaten and Hofbrauhaus selections from Germany. Steins will be for sale, or attendees can bring their own.
Food items will include schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut, red cabbage, hot German potato salad, pretzels and skewers. Students from the FCC Hospitality, Culinary, and Tourism Institute were actively involved in the planning, preparation and service of the event.
Attendees can dine indoors, outside a tent or in the sun.
In addition to providing food and drinks, there will be plenty of entertainment and other activities.
“The event is back to what it was before the pandemic,” Griffin said.
The Dan McGuire Band, Mike and The Continentals, along with a few new additions, will provide music on indoor and outdoor stages throughout the day.
On Friday, the adults-only, 6-10pm festivities will officially begin at 6.30pm with a barrel-opening ceremony with local elected officials and other dignitaries.
On Saturdays, the festival runs from 11 am to 10 pm. In addition to the musical groups, there will also be strongman competitions and yodel competitions. For those who don’t want to miss their favorite college football game or even a football game or two, there will be a sports tent with a TV on site. There will be children’s activities on Saturday, and Heritage Frederick will lead some German heritage activities.
A number of additional suppliers will also be set up, including one selling German roasted nuts, a chainsaw artist and an alpaca farm.
Rain or shine, the event takes place indoors and most outdoor celebrations take place under tents. Acceptance rates vary. But if you’re wearing an authentic tight skirt or leather pants, your entry fee is free. Volunteers also get free admission. “It takes about 400 volunteers to host this event. It’s Rotary’s largest event and an annual gathering of the community,” Griffin said.For more information, please visit frederickoktoberfest.org. Prost!
[ad_2]
Source link
