Biergartenfest this weekend
With memories of Oktoberfest not in the far-too-distant past, the German American Club of Cape Coral is opening its grounds to the public this weekend.
The first of two Biergartenfests will be hosted on GASC grounds this Saturday and Sunday, as the Bavarian Gardens welcomes a weekend of traditional German food and drink.
Club members are excited to bring back some fun and get festivities back into full-swing.
“We’re always excited to welcome guests and put something on for the community,” said GASC President Erich Kohl. “It allows us to showcase the club, hopefully get new members, and get the public excited for Oktoberfest.”
With German music performed by the Manni Daum Trio throughout the day, the Bavarian Gardens will be bustling, and the organizers anticipate a crowd of joyful dancers or foot tappers on the dance floor at the pavilion, raising their cups and enjoying a potato pancake or a brat.
The festivities will be held Bavarian-style, with Southwest Florida invited to enjoy two pleasant and fun-filled afternoons of German food, beer or wine, music, and above all, what we’ve come to understand as Gemutlichkeit — a feeling of good spirit and cheer.
Throughout the day, the gardens will be filled with the delicious aroma of typical German fare such as bratwurst, knockwurst, schnitzel and potato pancakes. With fun planned for kids and grownups alike, there’s plenty to look forward to as the community can enjoy the shaded gardens with friends and family.
“Our artists always put on a great show,” Kohl said. “We have music to dance to traditionally, as well as hear a take on some American songs such as country and rock ‘n’ roll.”
From 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday night, GASC is especially excited to be featuring the international blues and rock duo Martini Russa, a virtuoso guitarist Martini (Brazil/Spain) and powerful vocalist and rhythm guitarist Anastasia (Russia/USA). Their repertoire spans over 100 years, consisting of unique acoustic-electric renditions of blues standards, classic rock ballads, and fiery originals. They are proud winners of Rock the Stage SWFL 2022 and SWFL Blues Society People’s Choice Award 2022.
This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the GASC in the Cape. Kohl, who has been a member since 2011, and whose family has been involved since the ’80s, said it’s been amazing to see the growth over the years.
“It’s fantastic that enough people care that we’re able to continue these traditions,” he said. “We try to make our parents proud. We work at this and continue what they did, but just keep building upon it.
Tickets are $5 and parking is free, as are children ages 12 and under. The Biergartenfest is open on Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
“We hope people come on out and enjoy our gardens,” Kohl said. “It should be a lot of fun.”
The GASC is at 2101 Southwest Pine Island Road. For more information, visit gasc-capecoral.com.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com