If you can’t make it to Munich for their Oktoberfest, there’s one a lot closer that you might consider. It’s just a nice drive away in Fredericksburg, less than an hour and a half from San Antonio.
Debbie Farquhar-Garner manages Fredericksburg’s Oktoberfest, and says the event began 34 years ago as a way to showcase the town's German heritage. She says area artists were behind the push to have a local fest those many years ago.
"Artists wanted to have a venue to showcase their art and their talent. The foundation of our Oktoberfest was built from the Arts."
But it’s not all just about art.
"We have a big German beer presence, we have a great Texas beer selection. We have some Texas wine, we have lots of food—delicious sausage, we have potato pancakes. We have funnel cakes, lemonade, and all the wonderful foods that go with a German Cultural event."
If you’re wondering whether or not there’s oompah music, Farquhar-Garner says there’s plenty.
“We have four stages and we’ll have three days of continuous music on each of the four stages. On Friday night when we start we start with an Oktubafest.”
Yes, Oktubafest.
“We invite all tuba players to come and join us!”
Saturday morning brings the Haupstrasse Chicken Dance and she says there's a good reason to come early.
“The first 340 people that arrive get a surprise from us. And on Sunday we hold a 42 tournament. That’s a very popular domino game in this area."
Fredericksburg's Okoberfest starts Friday, October 3.
