Andrea Galabinski Last Thursday, Don Ostrowsky walked over 20 miles from Christ Lutheran Church on Del Prado Boulevard to the Shell Factory & Nature Park. Octoberfest In March returns to the North Fort Myers location this weekend.

If, on Thursday, March 4, you saw a man walking in full Lederhosen across the Midpoint Memorial Bridge from Cape Coral, to downtown Fort Myers and then to the Shell Factory in North Fort Myers, don’t be surprised.

It’s a popular annual sight that delights many, when organizer Don Ostrowsky makes his journey to promote the Octoberfest In March event.

The 7th annual celebration will be held Friday, March 12, through Sunday, March 14, at the Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers.

The event benefits Cape Coral’s Christ Lutheran Church’s charitable endeavors.

For five years, the church hosted the event on its property. But it became so popular, it moved to the Shell Factory to accommodate even bigger crowds.

“What’s nice about the Shell Factory is the parking and accessibility,” said Ostrowsky. “The bottom line is that by the help of the Cronins (the owners) hosting the event, we’ll be able to give even more back to the community. Without the generosity of Tom and Pam Cronin, this would not be possible. They are very philanthropic and great friends to the community.”

Returning are some of the biggest names in the polka genre. That includes three-time grammy winner Walter Ostanek – known as “Canada’s Polka King.”

There will also be Bob Kravos, the great nephew of famed polka master Frank Yankovic, with Jeff Winard and others groups.

“New this year is the Florida Tropical Squeeze Six-piece Slovenian Band,” said Ostrowsky.

There’s also a Sunday Polka Church Service.

“We’re actually bringing the church choir in this year, along with Sr. Pastor Gary LaCroix, who will do the service,” he said.

Other sponsors include FOX 4, who will send its popular chief weather forecaster Jim Syoen, who will play his tuba Saturday, March 6 around 6 p.m.

Last year’s move to the Shell Factory proved to be a polka success, according to Ostrowsky. He said there were about 8,000 guests.

Available will be all authentic German foods, schnitzel, sausage, half chicken dinners, potato pancakes and beer.

“Discount coupons are available at the Shell Factory, sponsor Viles & Beckman or sponsor Cape Coral Eye Center, who has six locations in the area,” said Ostrowsky.

There is still room for more vendors, he continued.

For more information about the the event or sponsorship, vendor details or more, e-mail him at don@ostrowsky.net or call 940-3212.

Admission is $4 on Friday, $5 on Saturday and Sunday, with $1 off with available coupons.