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Celebrating Bier and Gut Lieben at Oktoberfest O ktoberfest has the feel of a classic fairy tale come to life. Each October, this traditional outdoor German festival draws more than 12,000 people in a celebration welcoming fall. It's a dazzling display of girls in dirndls, men in lederhosen, all dancing the polka to the lively music of The Alpine Band and Hazelnuss Das Music while enjoying any of six different craft beers imported from Germany just for this party, held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds on Oct. 3 and 4. While the signature libation is German Spaten and Hofbräu beer, the food is a highlight of Oktoberfest. Bold sausages, Bratwurst, German potato salad, pretzels, sauerkraut, and Monterey Bay calamari are provided by show pro- moter Andre Lengacher's restaurant, Lugano Swiss Bistro. There are also Greek dishes, locally grown fried artichokes and barbecued spareribs. New to Sunday's family day is a petting zoo. Kids under 12 are admit- ted free, allowing families to enjoy all the fun-filled activities focused around Jumphouses, Dachshund races and Oktoberfest contests. Originally held at The Barnyard in Carmel, Oktoberfest outgrew its orig- inal venue and is now comfortably spread out at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. A large part of the proceeds will be donated this year to the Sonima Foundation, Heritage Foundation and to Carmel Host Lions Club. The charismatic Chef Andre has been the promoter for the past six years. When asked how he feels about this celebration he says, "Oktoberfest is a party for all ages and for families. It's the perfect way to celebrate Fall. It's kind of like going to a wedding, and we think of weddings as fun. Put on your dirndl or lederhosen and come join the party. We are only a yodel away." That is Oktoberfest in a nutshell. Delicious mouth-watering food, craft beer, live music, family festivities and dancing, all while raising funds for important foundations and saving room for the apple strudel. The hills are . . . you know. Saturday Oct. 3, Noon-8pm and Sunday Oct. 4, Noon-6pm. $15-25 per day, $30 both days. Monterey County Fairgrounds. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or online at www.oktoberfestmontereybay.com. —Marjorie Snow SHORTCUTS EVENTS 68 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 5 Oktoberfest, held October 3-4 at the Monterey Fairgrounds, is promoted by Andre Lengacher (center) of Lugano Swiss Bistro. Besides the beer and Bratwurst, Monterey Bay calamari is offered. Sunday's family day has a petting zoo, jump houses and Dachshund races. Photo: DMT Imaging