Annual Oktoberfest
As you can see from the photo above, my husband, Al and I enjoyed Oktoberfest in Big Canoe. In spite of a bit of rain and dark skies, the spirits of those who attended the Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 10th were not dampened. In fact, as they walked onto the Oktoberfest grounds spirits were instead lifted as they heard strains of "Oom pah pah" coming from the "German Polka Connection," the German band onstage throughout the day. Walking around the vendor booths or as they ate lunch, observers could see the bouncing heads and toe tapping feet of those who were enjoying the band.
Although residents of Big Canoe had hoped for a bright and a sunny day to celebrate the annual Oktoberfest celebration sponsored by the Big Canoe Property owners Association, fun was to be had all day long anyway.
Authentic German Food
The food was the most exciting part for many of the Oktoberfest attendees. A large tent with tables was set up in the middle of the play field at the Wildcat Recreation Center where the Oktoberfest was held. Food could be bought at the cook tents and shared with friends and family under the main large tent.
For those that enjoy German food, there was Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Pork Schnitzel, German Potato Salad, large soft pretzels, and apple strudel for dessert. The German food was delicious and my group shared bratwurst, knockwurst, pork schnitzel and German potato salad. Oh and of course we had to try some strudel and a large pretzel as well! I noticed many tables of families taste testing the German food off the plates of friends at their tables. There were two different types of German beer (Paulaner and Hofbrau) and German red or white wine.
For those not so adventurous diners, there was a choice of chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and ice cream for dessert. Water and soda were available for the non-drinking crowd.
Vendor Tents
There were approximately sixty vendor tents at Oktoberfest and they were lots of fun to browse through. The categories of vendors included:
Crafts
- pottery
- jewelry
- hair bows & accessories
- Christmas crafts
- handcrafted baskets
- healing magnetic bracelets
- photography
- custom wood furniture
- home made caramels
- dog scarves
- children's clothing and quilts
- local honey
- paintings
- organic pasta and ravioli
- Native American flutes and crafts
- handbags
- bird houses
- handmade soap and lotions
- letter art photography
- hand painted dishes
- jellies and jams
Vendors
- Beauti Control spa products
- Scentsy scented wax and warmers
- Juice Plus
- Boy Scouts selling popcorn
Information Booths
- Big Canoe Property Owners Association
- Operation Christmas Child
- Smoke Signals, Big Canoe's Community Newspaper
- Inside the Gates, Big Canoe's Magazine
- BCAR (Big Canoe Animal Rescue) with dogs for adoption
- The Black Bear Pub Bear Society
- Big Canoe's Department of Public Safety
- Big Canoe's Emergency Response Team
For the Kids
- Kids Tent with Games
- Bouncy House
Parking was at a premium at the play field where the Oktoberfest was held so five vans served as shuttles between the parking lot at the Big Canoe Chapel and the Oktoberfest. The drivers were quite jovial chatting and joking with Oktoberfest attendees.
The day was a wonderful way to get some fresh air and welcome fall to the community of Big Canoe, where the leaves are just starting to turn to brilliant shades of yellow and a bit of orange. What a beautiful backdrop to enjoy some delicious German food, hear some authentic German music, and visit with friends old and new!
Rosemarie Heindel
Harry Norman Realty
Cell: 404-861-1857
Office: 770-893-2400
Rosemarie.heindel@harrynorman.com
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