Oktoberfest In Fredericksburg
by Alfredo Alvarez
Texana Food & Events Editor
(FREDERICKSBURG, TX) - The king of the German festivals, Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, starts this weekend on
Friday, October 4th.
Fredericksburg, nestled in the heart of the uniquely beautiful Texas Hill Country, holds the event
in its "Marktplatz". With its music, great food, authentic beer and fabulous shopping,
it promises to be the best Oktoberfest ever.
Many folks who live in Texas, or have visted several times are not familiar with the
beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
"If you have never visited this part of the state before, you will be pleasantly surprised,"
said Lucas Everidge, a local writer and chef who lives in Central Texas.
This famous celebration of the Old World, began in Fredericksburg in 1981. The festival features
over 30 bands with music
rangeing from jazz to brass, and oompah to tubas. There will also be a great variety of foods
including traditional German plates and Mexican dishes.
Dozens of vendors will be sizzling up fajitas,
tacos, burgers, sausage, sweets, and other scrumptious surprises. Adventurous tasters can sample
over 30 varieties of domestic and imported beers.
Visitors will also be able to visit any one of the
town's top-notch restaurants and bakeries.
Oktoberfest hours are 6 pm to 12 midnight Friday, 10 am to 12 midnight Saturday, and 10 am
to 6 pm Sunday. Admission is $6, $1 for children 6-12, and under 6 free. Two-day passes are $10;
three-day passes are $15.
Oktoberfest attracts many participants just for the shopping opportunities. Over 40 juried artisans
from across the state and beyond fill two big tents, offering their best works and collectibles.
In yet another tent, a select group of Fredericksburg artists will be selling their fine art to the
public in a rare showing. Many find it the ideal opportunity to start their holiday shopping with
many unique, handmade gift items. Of course the best of any celebration in Fredericksburg is the
hearty menu of delicious German and Mexican foods.
Oktoberfest is great fun for the youngsters as well, according to the organizers. Kids can play
to their
hearts content on the Rock Climbing Wall, Super Slide, Jumping Castle, and other fun games and
activities right on the grounds.
GREAT MUSIC LINE-UP:
The focus is the German favorites of oompah, polka, and waltzing, with exhibitions, contests, and plenty of opportunities for dancing - including the irresistible "Chicken Dance!" Renowned Bavarian musicmeister Terry Cavanagh returns this year, plus the Bandaid Jazz Band, Seven Dutchmen, Oma and the Oompahs, Ed Kadlecek and the Fun Bunch, Rennie and the Happy Travelers, Fredericksburg Filharmonic, the Boerne Village Band, Arion Maenner Chor, Brushy Creek Brass Band, the Cadence Cloggers, the Czech Folk Dancers of West, Fredericksburg Chorale, Alpen Brass, Havlak-Batla Polka Time Band, Hill Country Brass, Hermann Sons Mixed Choir, accordionists Shirley Johnson and Herschel Moody, Jubilee Polka Band, Old Munich Duo, The Polka Dots Community Band, Rajah Kahn, The Sound Connection, the Swingin' Dutchmen, the TubaMeisters and the Polkamatics.
This year, music takes center stage, plus two more covered stages, will offer a variety of musicians, from jazz to brass, from oompah to tubas and Chicken Dance contests.
GREAT CHILDREN'S AREA:
Youngsters can try their hand at basketball, rock wall climbing, super slide, and jumping castle. A mini-midway of carnival-style games face painting, KinderPark store and Sunshine the Clown are sure to delight wide-eyed children.
Every child goes away happy!
SOUVENIRS:
There are some fantastic souvenirs ready for you to take home. Custom made steins from Germany, T's in all colors, caps, bells and more.
GREAT FOOD:
German goodies: Wienerschnitzel on a stick, sauerkraut, Kartoffel chips, Opas smoked sausage, German plate, German Taco/Kraut, Sausage wrap, Dutchman Burger, Potato Pancakes, Rueben sandwich, Bratwurst, Polish, Beerwurst, Stick Sausage, Bavarian cream puff. Chicken breast on a stick, Pork chop on a stick, Turkey legs, Fried Chicken on a stick, Shrimp on a stick, Roasted Corn, Texas Taters, Catfish, Baked Potatoes, Gorditas Chalupas, Chicken & Beef fajita tacos, potato salad, Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Hot dog, Flavor burst soft serve (cones), Flavor burst soft serve Sundae, Frozen Gourmet Coffee, Chicken breast sandwich, Chicken quesedilla, Nachos, Chopped BBQ Sandwich, Kraut dogs, Cajun wrap, Shaved ice, Cotton candy, Kettle Korn, Popcorn, Funnel cakes.
GREAT ARTISANS:
Over 40 original artists and crafters are on hand to display their handiwork. Pottery, jewelry, birdhouses, handmade cards, clothes, fine art, walking sticks, start your Christmas buying early!
One of Fredericksburgs favorite festivals, the inspiration for Oktoberfest goes back to 1810 in Bavaria. Legend has it that for 16 days, the townspeople celebrated the wedding of Prince Ludwig with races, fairs, exhibitions, and refreshments.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE:
Two-day passes are $10; three-day passes are $15. Call 830-997-4810. When you call, tell them you
saw this on
the Texas Cooking website.
