Community Corner

Raise a Beer Stein to Oktoberfest 2012 in Gulfport

Get your lederhosen out—Oktoberfest is here!

Before Halloween is here, there’s another not-so-spooky way to celebrate the fall: the German holiday of Oktoberfest!

While you're looking forward to dressing up in a costume and nearly getting a cavity from the candy intake, you can don knee socks and feast on bratwursts and beer.

In its native Bavaria, Germany, Oktoberfest is traditionally celebrated for 16 days, and this year the fun goes from Sept. 22—Oct. 7. It is one of the most spirited celebrations in Germany, and is a huge part of Bavarian culture.

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The first Oktoberfest was in 1810, as part of Crown Prince Ludwig’s wedding festivities, and has continued ever since.

In Gulfport, Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church kicks off their annual festival on Thursday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. The fall festival has been an annual event in Gulfport for more than 30 years. There will be rides, games, raffles, food, drinks and more on Thursday through Sunday at 5800 15th Ave S. Check out the following dates and times:

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  • Thursday, 6 -11 p.m.
  • Friday, 4 - 11 p.m.
  • Saturday, 1-11 p.m.
  • Sunday, 1 - 8 p.m.

For a sneak peek at what to expect, check out our photo gallery from last year: "Photo Gallery: Oktoberfest Is Tradition." If you're headed out there this week, be sure to upload your family photos in our "Gulfport Pics & Clips" neighborhood photo and video gallery. For more information about the event, call (727) 344-2744.

Oktoberfest sends lots of Americans to the store to stock up on sausages and spirits during the celebration. Check out some native German recipes like sauerkraut and potato pancakes or unique beers during the 16-day celebration, they'll have your taste buds saying “danke schön”! You can also try your hand at grilled bratwurst with German potato salad. Finishing off the meal with a German apple strudel is also sure to be a crowd pleaser.

And of course, you can’t say auf wiedersehen to Oktoberfest without a proper polka. Here are some polka dance moves and a tutorial that will make you the toast of the celebration.

Glückliches Oktoberfest!


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