November 6, 2007

Oktoberfest comes to Campbell

Campbell’s Oktoberfest has something for everyone

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

Downtown Campbell turned into Bavaria with the celebration of the 13th annual Oktoberfest on Oct. 20 and 21.

Some didn’t wait to get to the dance floor but danced in the streets.

“I have the best job and the best location,” said Campbell Chamber of Commerce office assistant Gerry Gruwell who was busy selling tickets for beer, food and the collectable annual mug or wine glass. Gruwell is one of an army of volunteers who are the force behind Oktoberfest. “We had 65 calls from people all over, San Rafael, Oakland, wanting to know how to get here. I told them to take light rail. It’s just great how many people come to Oktoberfest.”

Across the way from Gruwell, Oktoberfest suds were being sold, while an accordion player in lederhosen [leather shorts] entertained the throngs strolling the streets of downtown Campbell Avenue.

Annually, the Campbell Chamber of Commerce holds Oktoberfest on the third weekend of October and touts the festival to be the most authentic around. And it’s hard to argue with them with Spaten Beer representatives pouring the official Oktoberfest beer that dates back to 1810 and the days of King Ludwig.

Whether the polka or rock and roll everyone had a good time dancing at Oktoberfest. Photo by Julie Davis Berry

The first Oktoberfest took place on 1810 in Germany for the commemoration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig [later King Ludwig I] and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The soldiers organized a great horse race to celebrate the event. In 1818, booths started serving food and drink at the annual event. In the late 1800s, large beer halls were added and continue to this day at the event. Today, it is still celebrated in Bavaria with 8,000 in attendance.

“We came for the Oktoberfest beer,” said Ryan Kingsland who attended Oktoberfest with his brother Matt Kingsland and friend Anthony Espinosa. The trio hails from Milpitas. “We’ve come for a couple years now and wouldn’t miss it. It’s a lot of fun and really a nice crowd that comes here.”

But the festival isn’t just the Spaten suds, sauerbraten, German potato salad, sauerkraut, red cabbage and many types of bratwurst. The 40,000 people who entered downtown Campbell’s Oktoberfest had a plethora of choices: tri tip, pizza, hot dogs, pork kabobs, fired zucchini and mushrooms, funnel cakes, sausages and more. In other words, if you left hungry, it was your own fault.

All for one and one for all. Friends who never miss Campbell’s Oktoberfest or the Spaten either are, from the left, Anthony Espinosa, Ryan Kingsland and Matt Kingsland. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

Entertainment was for all—whether couples wanted to waltz or to rock and roll—and the two stages at Oktoberfest filled the bill. “Men in Black” rocked out in the morning. Leticia Torres was enjoying their music, but was excited that her daughter Justyna would be performing afterwards with “Team Rave.” Couples came especially to polka to Alpiners USA at the Bier Garten playing authentic Bavarian music and children imitated their parents’ moves. And a few even yodeled to the delight of the crowds.

With over 100 arts and crafts booths many attendees did some early holiday shopping for paintings, crafts, leather goods, fountains, clothing and handcrafted items. Booths filled Campbell Avenue with stores displaying their wares on the crowded sidewalks.

Dollaya Chaibonosai was a first time vendor, showcasing her original sterling silver jewelry. One booth had a bevy of witches selling ornate witch hats to raise money for the Los Gatos Saratoga Assistance League. There was something for everyone at Oktoberfest.

Benjamin Roach, 3, came especially to Oktoberfest to have his face painted. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

“I live and work in Campbell,” said Mike Cat selling his “Kool Cat” logo sportswear. “This is my third time selling here and I always have a good time.”

Kids had a good time as well at Campbell’s tribute to Oktoberfest with a bounce jump, spin art, henna body art and other fun for the younger crowd.

“Benjamin wanted to have his face painted,” said Stephanie Roach who came with husband Paul, and sons Benjamin, 3, and Paul, 1 from Gilroy. “Paul wanted some Spaten Oktoberfest, and I want to eat out. It’s our first year here and it’s a lot of fun. We’ll be back.”

That’s what you find at downtown Campbell’s Oktoberfest. People attend year after year. Or if it’s their first time they’ll be back because it’s the most wunderbar Oktoberfest they’ve ever visited.