JOIN THE FUN AT OAKLAND PARK'S OKTOBERFEST
Saturday, October 3, 2009, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Jaco Pastorius Park, N. Dixie Hwy. & NE 38 Street
By Tom Sukowitz

When we started out five years ago we never dreamed that our Main Street Oktoberfest would become the City’s signature event. It is not only the largest in Broward or Dade, but it has become one of the most popular in Florida. Young and old come from near and far to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of a Bavarian village celebration, Oompah music, German food specialties and original Oktoberfest beer imported from Munich for the occasion.

Hans Huber, owner of Ft. Lauderdale’s award-winning Ambry Restaurant is planning for more than 5000 to attend and will serve a selection of German favorites such as bratwurst, knockwurst, spicy currywurst, chicken schnitzel, goulash soup, sauerkraut and German potato salad, freshly baked pretzels and apple crumb strudel. In addition to soft drinks, a selection of German wines and German-brewed Tucher Oktoberfest beers will be available for purchase by adults 21 and over.

Enjoy performances by the Edelweiss Schuhplattlers, a children’s dance troupe, and the Original Auerhahn Schuhplattlers (adults) or watch the intense competition for first place by the speediest Dachshunds in Oakland Park and surrounding area in the now famous Dachshund Dash. Out perform your competitors in the Beer Barrel Roll or Beer Stein Race to win a prize. Kids will enjoy carnival rides and story telling by Miss Jo. And practice your yodeling! A first this year, yodeling contestants are judged by audience applause and the winner will take home a $100 gift certificate from the Ambry.

If you have never been to Germany, here is your chance to visit that beautiful country! Purchase a raffle ticket and you may win two round-trip tickets to Munich or Duesseldorf aboard AIR BERLIN – one of Germany’s leading airlines – or a new motor scooter donated by Spank Cheesesteak Factory.

Oktoberfest sponsors include the City of Oakland Park, Presenting Sponsor Lipton Toyota/Scion, Air Berlin, Central Bark Doggy Day Care, Days Inn, FPL, Graphic Banner, S.MarkGraphics, Sal’s Towing and South Florida Blade/411.

Sal’s Towing offers free transportation home for anyone who may not be safe to drive, and the nearby Days Inn Hotel at Oakland Park Boulevard/I-95 has discounted Oktoberfest rates for the weekend.

Oakland Park Main Street has selected NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL as this year’s recipient of a monetary award from Oktoberfest proceeds. With our donation to the school’s Jaco Pastorius scholarship and music fund, Main Street honors its long-standing and rewarding relationship with Northeast High School.

A $2 donation is requested for adults, while children 12 and under are admitted free. On-site parking is $5. Free street parking is available on streets adjacent to the park.

For information, please call Siegi Constantine at 954-565-2627.

OKTOBERFEST EVENT SCHEDULE
10:30am Assemble all participants for processional
10:45am Procession begins from Oakland Park City Hall to festival site (Jaco Pastorius Park) and features the Northeast High School Marching Band, Elected Officials and Dignitaries
11:00am Marktplatz Vendor tent -- remains open until 11:00pm
Bavarian Village Fun Carnival -- remains opens until 11:00pm
AMBRY RESTAURANT BIERGARTEN TENT
11:00am
 Opening ceremonies including the National Anthem performed by members of the Northeast High School Jazz Band and the Presentation of Colors by the American Legion Color Guard
11:15am
 “O’Zaptf IS” (“It’s been tapped”). The official tapping of the keg with Oakland Park Mayor Steven R. Arnst
Festival Tents, Alpine Market and Bavarian Village Carnival open
11:30am
 Euro Express performs on stage
12:00pm
 Introductions, sponsor recognition
12:15pm
 Euro Express performs on stage
2:30pm
 Herman Schulz Band performs on stage
3:30pm
 Edelweiss Schuhplattlers - Children’s Dance Group performs on stage
4:00pm
 Herman Schulz Band performs on stage
5:00pm
 Auerhahn Schuhplattlers - Adult Dance Group performs on stage
5:15pm
 Live auction of Things German , courtesy of Abercrombie Auction House
5:30pm
 Herman Schulz Band performs on stage
6:00pm
 Sponsor recognition and announcements
6:20pm
 Herman Schulz Band performs on stage
7:00pm
 Sponsor recognition, announcements, prize drawings
Grand Prize Drawing – Airline Tickets to Germany, courtesy of Air Berlin, and a motor scooter, courtesy of Spanky’s Cheesesteak Factory
7:15pm
 Swinging Bavarians on stage/Polka contest during first break
ALPENHAUS CHILDREN’S STORY THEATER
3:00pm
 Face Painting
4:00pm
 German Fairy Tales by Miss Jo until 5:00pm
BAVARIAN VILLAGE FUN CARNIVAL - CARNIVAL RIDES & GAMES
11:00 - 11:00pm
GAMES
4:00pm
 EVENT #1
Dachshund Race sponsored by Central Bark Doggy Day Care –
Cheer on your favorite wiener dog as it dashes across the finish line for bragging rights as the speediest dog of Oktoberfest 2009!
5:30pm
 EVENT #2
Beer Barrel Roll – Participants roll an empty beer barrel around a course. The contestant with the fastest time wins, but points are deducted for losing control of your barrel and mowing down spectators.
6:30pm
 EVENT #3
Beer Stein Race – Contestants race a short distance to the finish line with two fists full of filled beer steins. The winner is determined not only by the best time, but by the amount of beer left in the steins at the finish line. A second is added to the time for each ounce of beer spilled.
7:30pm
 EVENT #4
Yodeling Contest – Contestants will be judged on their yodeling skills by crowd applause
3407 North Dixie Highway, Oakland Park, Florida 33334 | 954-565-2627
Oakland Park Main Street, Inc. is a 501©(3) nonprofit corporation. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free 1-800-435-7352 within the State. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.