Oompah music will echo through Fredericksburg Friday through Sunday, Oct. 2-4, at the 35th Oktoberfest.
This annual festival of Fredericksburg’s German heritage harkens back to the first Oktoberfest near Munich in 1810, which began as a celebration of the Bavarian King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen royal wedding.
In Fredericksburg, the family-oriented event attracts 1,200 volunteers and 20,000 visitors, according to Oktoberfest officials.
Rep. Doug Miller (R-New Braunfels) will kick off the event at an opening ceremony at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2.
“I’m looking forward to the fun, excitement and the gemütlichkeit,” said Miller.
Ernie Loeffler, president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau, said the event is a Fredericksburg hallmark.
“Visitors come from around Texas, the U.S. and, indeed, from around the world to join in the three day party,” Loeffler said. “Whether it is dancing to polka music or consuming large amounts of Bratwurst and potato pancakes, everyone seems to have a great time at Oktoberfest.”
Special events
• Miller will kick off the event at an opening ceremony at 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, celebrating the event’s longevity, growth and contribution to the community.
• OktubaFest, 5:45 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2. All tuba and euphonium players are invited to participate.
• “Hauptstrasse (Main Street) Chicken Dance,” 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 3.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the first 350 registrants will receive a special surprise.
• Domino Tournament on Sunday, Oct. 4. Registration begins at noon under Strassen Zelt.
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