German festival celebrates Bavarian culture
SEAN WESLEY
THE SIGNAL
The aroma of German sausages and potatoes wafts through the air as traditional German folk music fills festivalgoers’ ears. October is here, and with it, Oktoberfest celebrations spring up around the world.
What started as a wedding festival celebrating the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen in 1810 has now become a worldwide celebration of the Bavarian culture.
This year marked the first annual Kemah Oktoberfest, which took place in the Lighthouse District Oct. 4 through 6. With the celebration came the excuse for event-goers to strap on their lederhosen and dirndls.
The event showcased a diverse assortment of food and beer vendors from both local and national sponsors, which catered to an array of appetites.
“[Oktoberfest] is starting to become a more popular event in the Houston area,” said Philipp Sitter, manager for King’s Biergarten and Restaurant of Pearland, as he ran the restaurant’s booth at the event. “Every Oktoberfest you see here in Houston, we have some type of part of right now.”
Accompanying the flavors and smells of the celebration was a varying lineup of bands ranging from traditional German folk music to classic rock and country music. When the German music rang out, the Deer Park High School German Folk Dancers performed traditional Bavarian-style dances to entertain the crowd while they dined.
Local arts and crafts dealers set up shop for attendees with a desire to browse or buy their goods. Booths sold everything from glass works and wind chimes to clothing and beer-themed products such as steins and signs.
Some booths offered games while others offered contests such as raffles to win new cars or a trip to Las Vegas. There was even a rock wall to climb.
Marie Janke, special event coordinator for the city of Kemah, said that this event began because there was not a festival like it nearby.
“We felt this was a good way to promote family fun in the area,” Janke said.
This is only the first of more Oktoberfests to come to Kemah in the future, as it is expected to return next year.
“It exceeded our expectations for the turn out of the inaugural Oktoberfest, and we’re real pleased with the results,” Janke said.
If you missed your chance to take part in the Bavarian bash, fear not. Houston’s second annual Oktoberfest comes to town Oct. 19, and with it, more German-styled revelry.
Houston also saw a success with its first annual Oktoberfest last year.
“Most shows are slow the first year, but the Houston Oktoberfest was a hit right out of the gate the first year,” said Don Schwarzkopf, vendor coordinator for the Houston Oktoberfest.
The Houston Oktoberfest will also offer a variety of food and drink vendors celebrating German cuisine as well as a lineup of bands to regale the crowds.
The Houston event will even play host to a German-themed tournament. The contest will test participants’ skills with challenges such as the stein race, bucket race, barrel roll and brat toss.
“I love it,” said Sylvia Franklin, an attendee of the Kemah Oktoberfest who moved to the area from Germany three months ago. “Everyone here should go to a German Oktoberfest.”
For more information about Kemah Oktoberfest, visit http://oktoberfest.gulfcoastfestivals.com.
For more information about Houston Oktoberfest, visit http://www.oktoberfesthouston.com.
