Ms. Oktoberfest to be crowned Saturday
Six women will face off this weekend for a shot to claim the title of Ms. Oktoberfest. The 26th annual pageant will take place Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m. at the German American Social Club, with dinner served from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $10 per person.
The dress code is semi-formal.
“This year, I have six contestants,” event coordinator Teresa Kohl said. “These are the finalists.”
Twelve applicants applied to be part of this year’s competition.
According to Kohl, eligible applicants must be between the ages of 21-45. Applicants are not required to know how to speak German, nor does their heritage have to be of German descent to be eligible.
“They just have to have an interest in our culture,” she said.
The pageant normally lasts for about an hour.
“The judges look at them, and they’re given a couple of questions,” Kohl said.
“They don’t have to sing, dance or anything like that,” she added.
A panel of five judges will select the winner, the first runner-up and the second runner-up.
“They’re usually people who are very active in the community,” Kohl said.
This year’s panel consists of: former Cape Coral mayor Eric Feichthaler; former Cape councilman William Deile; Simone Behr, of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau; Carol Obermeier, of the Southwest Florida International Airport; and Ralph Brand, of the German American Club of Naples.
“We make sure they’re not members of the club,” she said.
The finalist to claim the title of Ms. Oktoberfest will rein over the 30th annual celebration.
“She will represent the club in different community things all year long,” Kohl said. “She will be featured in our float at the Edison Parade of Light. She will also attend our Gardenfests.”
Following the pageant, Peter and Edith will perform for the guests.
“They play for us at Oktoberfest,” she said. “They’re known. They have followers.”
Typically, between 100 and 200 people turn up for the competition.
“We had a very nice attendance,” Kohl said of last year.
The German American Social Club’s chef will serve up the club’s typical menu, with some specials possible. The dinners range in price but will not be included in the cost of the $10 pageant ticket.
The club’s bar will be open for service.
“We have nice facilities and a lovely dance floor,” she said.
“It’s a nice evening,” Kohl added.
For more information, contact the German American Social Club at 239-283-1400.
The German American Social Club is at 2101 S.W. Pine Island Road.