‘Nothing can match this’ Oktoberfest draws in estimated 40,000 festival-goers
It was two weekends to remember for all that visited the German-American Social Club grounds, as tens of thousands came out to celebrate the return of Oktoberfest.
Put on annually by the GASC, the 38th Annual Oktoberfest, after having to take a pause last year due to Hurricane Ian, once again saw authentic German beers being poured, food served, music sung, and dancing steps a-plenty.
For those that have attended, there’s nothing quite like Oktoberfest in Cape Coral in full-swing.
“There’s nothing in the state that matches this,” said GASC President Steven Bauer. “We’ve had people from other clubs (across the state) — we are now the biggest of all the club festivals. We are probably the biggest Oktoberfest in the state of Florida. There’s nothing that can match this.”
Bauer said while attendance for the two weekends wasn’t a record, “it’s right up to record-levels.”
He said up to 40,000 people turned out over both weekends, which was a welcome sight after having to postpone last year’s celebration. While the GASC has hosted Biergarten festivals along the way, the atmosphere of Oktoberfest, especially being able to bring a band over from Germany for the first time pre-COVID, is a special one.
“Having that visiting band is a little something extra,” Bauer said. “They have their European mannerisms that are really refreshing and give you authenticity. Even the way they sing American songs — they play fast-paced American music sung with a European flare.
“And when they’re here, they become part of the club, because we know them and it’s not their first time here. It’s like having old friends visit.”
The staple event across Southwest Florida never fails to transforms the GASC grounds into a Munich-like atmosphere complete with giant beer tent, various bands, and tastes that will remind anyone with German roots of home.
Bauer said being able to bring that experience to the Southwest Florida community is right in line with the club’s mission.
“This is what we’re supposed to do,” he said. “We’re supposed to be out in the community, showing German culture, so it can be part of the melting pot here in Southwest Florida as it is in major cities. We’re sharing our culture… and if we’re paying it forward to other German (businesses), that’s what it’s all about.”
Bauer said it’s great to see all walks of life turn up and learn a bit about German culture and enjoy its traditions.
“And there’s so many similarities between German culture and others,” he said, pointing out the love of soccer, music, beer, and food.
The event saw non-stop foot-tapping music on three stages in the tent, the gardens, and inside in the Edelweiss Hall; something for every ear. Attendees could also hit the dance floor to see, and learn, a few German songs and dances.
Photo-ops took place with Lissette Ortiz-Teleweck, Ms. Oktoberfest 2023, or with one of several Ms. Oktoberfests from previous years wearing their pretty dirndls and elegant blue sashes.
New this year was the festival’s VIP program, that included admission, special seating, drink specials, a sit-down meal inside in the Von Steuben Hall, a glass Hofbrauhaus beer stein, refills, and more.
Frank Gianino and his wife traveled from Jacksonville to attend Oktoberfest — their first one. Gianino was enjoying the VIP section also with his friend and former Navy buddy.
Gianino has been waiting since the pandemic to attend this festival, as he was unable to that year. That didn’t stop him from making an authentic German meal for his friends and their neighbors in Port Charlotte.
“We wanted to go to a good Oktoberfest, and we heard this was the best in South Florida, so we came down,” Gianino said. “I love it. This could become an annual thing for us.”
He and the others in his party all agreed the VIP tickets were worth it, as they gushed about their beer refills, swag bag, and more.
“It’s nice to have a private area, with private facilities,” Gianino said. “The VIP parking made for a short walk here. And for the price, you can’t beat it.”
Gianino said he hopes to continue attending Oktoberfest, and maybe next time, with even more of his military comrades.
Bauer said for both weekends, their VIP ticket sales exceeded exceptions. A new sponsor that jumped on board which attendees were excited about is Jaegermeister.
“This was the first time with them as a sponsor,” Bauer said. “They sent us a support crew that goes around from festival to festival. This crew has been to so many festivals around the United States. The first thing they said to me last Friday night when we opened, is ‘This is the most authentic Oktoberfest they’ve serviced.’ And that crew was just terrific.”
Though the excitement of Oktoberfest may be over, Bauer said there are always events taking place at the GASC.
With the holiday season starting to gear up, the GASC’s authentic German Christkindlmarkt will arrive the first weekend in December. Shortly after, the grounds will play host to an American Christmas Festival.
The Social Club is at 2101 Southwest Pine Island Road in Cape Coral. Visit gasc-capecoral.com.