The chicken dance and more fun
Anyone who was concerned about the weather or traffic putting a crimp in the German-American Club’s 29th annual Oktoberfest celebration needn’t have worried.
The expansion of Pine Island Road is complete, the weather couldn’t have been better, and thousands turned out from all over Southwest Florida for the first weekend of one of Cape Coral’s signature events.
Many a man got out their lederhosen and the women their frilly dresses to dance to German music, drink German beer and eat German food.
It all started with Cape Coral Mayor Marni Sawicki tapping the first keg and will end this coming Sunday after an expects 40,000 people turn out over the six days.
The big tent was packed as the two stages and dance floor was filled with continuous action.
Eddie Korosa Jr. and his “Boys from Illinois” led the Chicken Dance, the Lee County Pipes & Drums filled the dance floor, and the 22-piece Bodensee Perlen from Germany provided lush sounds.
Paul Eastman, of Fort Myers, is an Oktoberfest veteran who came to do a lot of eating and a lot of dancing.
“I grew up with my mom and dad going to ballroom dancing, so I learned to polka when I was 8 years old and have danced ever since,” Eastman said. “I love German potato salad and it’s the only place I can get it is once a year.”
The Beer Garden features pretty much the same, with plenty of dance troupes taking the stage. There were also countless vendors pitching their wares and selling food if beer and brats weren’t your thing.
Jillian Zawacki and her family came with a Alpenrose Schuhplatter Dancers from Orlando to perform, but first got a lay of the land.
“We come down every other year to perform and walk around and enjoy the food,” Zawacki said. “The weather has been great, we’ve had a nice breeze.”
Rita Chase and her family are annual guests, although this is the only weekend they could come because they were going away for the weekend.
“We love the German food and it’s fun for the kids. My husband is German so we usually come and meet with the whole family,” Chase said. “My daughter plans on doing all the rides and food.”
It was more than fun and games for Ms. Oktoberfest Petra Besenhard. As the official representative of the event, her job was to mingle and meet with guests.
“Last night was busy and today has been pretty constant and more are expected this evening,” Besenhard said. “If you haven’t been here, come and have a good time with us.”
Lori Van Winkle was also hard at work, filling mugs and steins at the beer garden. She didn’t get much of a break, either.
“What a fun time it is, just people coming and going and having a great time. It’s been very busy,” Van Winkle said. “You can’t beat the weather. It’s nice and cool, perfect for Floridians.”
Assuming another great weekend, this stands to be a huge winner for not only the German-American Club, but for the city, according to Councilmember Lenny Nesta, a club member who was on duty at the water station.
“We’ve had charter buses from all over come down just for this event. The revenues brought in for this event from those who spend the night and eat here is enormous,” Nesta said.
Oktoberfest concludes this weekend. It happens Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from noon to midnight and on Sunday from 11 a.m. (with a church service) to 11 p.m.
The German American Club is at 2101 SW Pine Island Road.