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Bakersfield Oktoberfest 2009!
Get ready for a new local tradition starting Oct. 3rd at Stramler Park!

Above from left: Devon Cera & Jennifer Hungerford

By Matt Munoz, Bakotopia Editor
Photos By Omar Zamudio

Achtung, baby! Oktoberfest is coming!       

You read correctly, Germany’s annual 16-day festival of food, music, dancing and Bavarian brewhaha is making its way to Bakersfield for one day only.

Grab your lederhosen and get ready to celebrate with your friends and family on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Stramler Park. The festivities begin at 3 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. This great event is brought to you by Bakotopia and Ugly Duck Marketing of Bakersfield.

An idea years in the making for freunds (friends) and Ugly Duck colleagues — Cory Jenkins and Kevin Harrer — the two decided it was time to start a new local cultural tradition.


 
“Bakersfield’s so culturally diverse. We have the Basque picnic, Greek food festival, Cinco de Mayo, so why not an Oktoberfest,” said Jenkins of the inspiration behind the duo’s plan to add a German heritage festival to the annual list of successful celebrations.  “We wanted to kick this off last year, but decided to wait until the time was right.”



Fellow organizer, Harrer, excitedly echoes Jenkins enthusiasm as an experienced “Oktoberfester” himself.

“I’ve been to a couple Oktoberfests held in California that are huge,” he said. “My parents have even been to Munich, Germany to celebrate. One thing we all agreed upon after our experiences are that everyone gets along really well, and the look and feel of the event is great. Plus, the real Oktoberfest ends in Germany the day after ours on Oct. 4.”

Well said, especially since Bakersfield never turns down a reason to party.

Did you miss our Oktoberfest Survival Guide? Click me to read!



“Since we made the announcement, people are getting really excited,” said Jenkins of the public’s immediate response. “Locals with German surnames are already making requests on beer and food. We’re also encouraging people to dress up and have some fun with this.”

Jenkins’ “dress-up” statement refers to the traditional garb seen at a real Oktoberfest.

Lederhosen, which means “leather trousers” — traditional Germanic work attire consisting of shorts with suspenders and worn with a variety of shirts, hats and shoes. Original lederhosen were made of leather and aren’t as common in the workplace as they were back in the day, but can be seen on festive occasions. (Think of the guys in the Ricola throat lozenge commercials, and you’ll get the picture.)

Women are also known to sport men’s lederhosen, but can opt to go a more feminine route with a dress called a Dirndl (bodice, blouse, full skirt, and apron).

Either way, festival goers are asked to spice it up, create your own style, or make it sexy like our lovely Bakotopia cover girls - Jennifer and Devon. Who knows? You might even win a prize!

“There will be a contest for best dressed at the event,” smiled Harrer, who looks forward to seeing some peculiar sights himself.

Now that you have your outfit planned out, what's next?



Get your belly ready, because the menu will be a mix of both the authentic and American variety - courtesy of local catering businesses, sure to please even the most ardent Austrian.

“There will be a big Bavarian menu,” said Jenkins.

He’s not joking either. Try pronouncing these delicacies you’ll find at Bakersfield Oktoberfest on Oct.3: Muncher Weisswurste, Nurnberge Rostbratwurstl, Schweinebraten, and Riesenbrwurst — all sausage and beef recipes with that authentic kick, plus potatoes, cabbage, sauerkraut and more!

And what goes great with rich foods? Ice cold brews to wash it down and make room for more. After all, an Oktoberfest without beer would be a serious party foul.

“We have four labeled beers direct from Germany, plus locally there’s Lengthwise, BJ’s, Kern River — all brewing Oktoberfest and fall seasonal ales,” said Harrer of the fine flavors being sold and served in a souvenir Das Boot beer stein. “But it's not just a drinking festival, so partake in all the festivities to get the full experience.”



To help you keep up the whole day, organizers have done their homework to supply the Oktoberfest with competitions like the “Stein Carrying Contest,” the “Stein Holding Contest,” and to keep your feet from getting weary — “The Red River Dutchmen,” a real live polka band.

Just make sure you practice your balance - have you seen polka dancing? It ain’t no disco. You can also mellow out with the soulful pop grooves of Soulajar — sure to help keep you nice and mellow during party breaks.

That's a pretty good deal for a $5 advanced adult admission or $10 at the gate. Or if you're really feeling the mood — you can also buy special party packs at $35 pre-sale or $40 at the door. Each party pack consists of one admission ticket, two drink tickets, a 1-liter traditional Oktoberfest stein or Das Boot stein, and a gourmet meal.



Before we forget, we must remind you that this event is for adults 21 & over only, sorry kiddos.

“Kids have the Kern County Fair, and adults have Oktoberfest,” said Jenkins.

Like other local events of its kind, the first annual Bakersfield Oktoberfest is giving a portion of all proceeds to M.A.R.E. (Mastering Abilities Riding Equines), a therapeutic organization that helps the disabled through horseriding and other equine-related activities.

“M.A.R.E lost about $70,000 worth of grants cut by the state,” explained Harrer. “We're hoping this will help replenish some of those funds.”


Above: An example of some German delicacies you'll see on Oct. 3rd.

Picture yourself under a real Oktoberfest tent with other party goers, complete with lights, and decorations. It's Bako-bonding at its finest and there's no excuse for not jumping in to join the all-day fest. And remember - party hardy, but always have a designated driver.

“Since most of us can't travel to Munich, we're bringing Munich to Bakersfield,” said Harrer. “We're offering everyone something fun to do in town and would like to see it keep building for years to come”.

Wunderbar!

For more info on Bakersfield Oktoberfest, CLICK FLIER BELOW!:

Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 63, 9-17-09.
Official magazine of Bakersfield Oktoberfest!