Oktoberfest Celebrations in St. Louis
The Oktoberfest hosted by the German Cultural Society of St. Louis was a resounding success, attracting around 900 attendees over the weekend of September 11-13 at Donau Park in House Springs. Joe Wendl, the organization’s spokesman, noted that the clear skies and pleasant weather significantly contributed to the event’s turnout.
Event Highlights
- Attendance: Approximately 900 people joined the festivities.
- Food Offerings: Attendees enjoyed traditional German dishes, serving:
- 165 meals on Friday
- 225 meals on Saturday
- 350 meals on Sunday
- Beverages: A variety of German beers were available.
Live Entertainment
The festival featured live performances from:
- Friday: The Wendl Band
- Saturday: Die Spitzbuam
- Sunday: Deutschmeister Brass Band
All bands performed lively polka music, providing an authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere.
Dance Groups
The event showcased several dance groups, including:
- Kindertanzgruppe (children)
- Jugendgruppe (youth)
- Die Heimatgruppe (young adults)
- Volkstanzgruppe (adults)
- D’Frohliche Schuhplattler (all ages)
Understanding the Timing of Oktoberfest
Wendl addressed some misconceptions about the timing of the event, noting that the original Oktoberfest in Munich also begins in September. He emphasized the tradition, explaining that the Munich festival shifts dates for better weather.
Looking Ahead
Oktoberfest marked the final event at Donau Park for the season. Wendl expressed gratitude to attendees for their support and mentioned the upcoming Wurstmarkt in the spring.
For those interested in future events, the German Cultural Society will continue organizing gatherings at their hall located at 3652 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis. For more details, visit their Facebook page or their official website germanstl.org.
