November 10, 2008

Eighteen-month-old Sarah Brender [center] came to Oktoberfest ready to dance in her traditional German folk dress. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

Oompah at its best

Annual Oktoberfest has something for everyone

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

One festivity that is on everyone’s must attend list is the annual Oktoberfest held on downtown Campbell Avenue on the third weekend of October. This year was no exception.

“The weather’s great for Oktoberfest this year,” said Campbell Chamber of Commerce [CCOC] office assistant Jerry Gruwell who manned the information booth both days at the CCOC sponsored event. “And everyone’s having fun. That’s what it’s all about.”

Many cities across the U.S. celebrate Oktoberfest, but none like Campbell; the festival aims to be among the most authentic around. Spaten Beer representatives poured the official Oktoberfest beer, and plenty of German food was gobbled up by the 1,000s who attend, including Bratwurst, German potato salad and sauerkraut. But there’s plenty of other cuisine available, fresh kettle corn, fennel cakes, sausages of all kinds, fried zucchini and mushrooms, to name a few. The Campbell Kiwanis even carted 1,000 pounds of potatoes to the event to cook up fresh cut French fries.

Oktoberfest first-timers Lauren Sivley and Valerie Lim enjoyed the festivities as well as the bratwurst and beer.

But it’s not just about the sausages and Spaten. Campbell’s day to celebrate everything Bavarian overflows with over a 100 arts and crafts booths. Rachel Eva displayed her exotic jewelry. At his second Oktoberfest, Barrett Ohene showcased his Yeboah Silk Art, intricate threads that create colorful works of art. First timer Lori Krein displayed her eco friendly inspirational art.

“This is really cool,” said Krein who recently moved to Campbell from Maryland and displays her art at Stone Griffin Gallery. “Lots of young people are looking for recycled art. They are aware of the environment. I find items at yard and garage sales though some of the best things are at auto repair shops.”

If music was your forte, the Alpiners had everyone young and old dancing the day away. Many came dressed in German dress with lederhosen and apron smocked dresses like 18-month-old Sarah Brender oompahing on the dance floor to the delight of the crowd. But there was something for everyone’s taste with serenades by kilted bag pipe musicians, Lemo’s reggae and more.

Mary Chiao enjoyed discovering Barrett Ohene’s Yeboah Silk Art at her first Oktoberfest. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

“I always come to Oktoberfest,” said Campbell resident Terri Dias who brought her grandson 15-month-old Ethan Nolan to the children’s play area and were found riding tyke sized autos. “We came early this year so we could enjoy the kid’s stuff. It’s great.”

Besides the music, food, arts and crafts, and games, there were plenty of good old people watching. “Just” Joe brought his cockatoo “Boomer” who enjoyed perching on passerby’s arms and announcing his name to everyone.

“This is my first Oktoberfest in Campbell,” said Mary Chiao. “It’s a lot of fun—the booths, the music, the costumes, the face painting, and especially the food.  There’s something here for everyone. I will definitely be back next year.”