Oops... And Oktoberfest!

So, clearly, I suck at this whole blogging-on-the-regular thing... I will start Witzige/Wichtige Worte on Wednesday next week. I promise!

And, to make up for my suck-ishness, here's a post about Germantown's Oktoberfest!

Inside the Bier Tent 2010

Every year on the last Saturday and Sunday of September, Germantown hosts its own mini-Oktoberfest. This year was the 20th annual. And, like every year (at least every year I'm State-side), I volunteered. I work the kids' table. We paint pumpkins, make ornaments, and this year we did facepainting. It's always a big hit, and this year, it was huge! Normally, we go through 40 pumpkins over the whole weekend. This year, we went through 40 just on Saturday alone!

 

The big draw on Saturday is the Dachshund Dash. Every year for the past six years, we've featured a wiener dog race sponsored and organized by the Midwest Dachshund Rescue. People love it! When wienie time comes around, people flock to the race track to watch them go flying down the track. This year, I was so busy at my stand I didn't have the chance to watch the races myself. But, I could hear the crowds cheering, and knew it was a big hit once again. I could even hear the gasps and cries of sympathy when two dogs would collid mid-race (don't worry, no one got hurt!). Buddy, the five-year champ, took part in the race again this year. However, there was a big upset, and the trophy was bestowed upon a new wiener, I mean winner. (Pictures are right were taken at Germanfest in Milwaukee, but both races are hosted/sponsored by the same organization.)

Sunday is Barlympics day. Bars from the area sign up to participate in different team challenges, such as barrel rolling and a water relay-race (no beer is wasted!). Each team comes dressed in themed costumes, which they design themselves. Awards are not only given to the winning bar's team, but also to the teams who stay at Oktoberfest the longest and are the life of the party, for example. Of course, the games are always timed in accordance with the Packer game. It would be almost a sin to not watch it!

This year was one of the biggest yet. Despite a slight shortage in volunteer staff, things ran smoothly, and it was a huge success. I can't wait for next year!