News

Oktoberfest Fun Returns to West Annapolis

Sunday, October 4
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What could be more fun than strolling the streets of Annapolis with family and friends, listening to the cheerful strains of a live and authentic German band? Possibly, doing all of the above with a cold imported German beer in your hand!

Oktoberfest! Annapolis' premier street fair returns for its 19th Annual celebration on Sunday, October 4, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Oktoberfest in West Annapolis has its origins in "The Old Country." Wallie Regina founded Regina's Restaurant in West Annapolis to bring German food and hospitality to her new home in the United States. As a girl, Wallie had lived in Stuttgart and had fond memories of Oktoberfest celebrations in her native country. She came to this country as a 21 year-old war bride and was determined to be successful in her new land. When she found herself thinking back to those times of celebration in her old country, The West Annapolis Oktoberfest was born. 

"I just wanted to bring a taste of my culture and heritage to my new home," says Wallie who is now semi-retired from the restaurant. 

She still works three days a week, however, continuing to provide loyal customers with her family recipe for German potato salad. And her tradition lives on. The celebration has expanded to include an entire neighborhood and its community. It has grown into a wonderful family event where everyone can be German for the day. While other community events come and go, there is only one Oktoberfest! And this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Over one hundred vendor booths will line Annapolis Street from Taylor Avenue to Melvin Street in West Annapolis, offering a dazzling array of crafts, food and gifts. Smart shoppers know that if they see something nice, something one-of-a-kind, they can pick it out and put it away as a special holiday gift for a special person. That's right, it is never too early to do some Christmas shopping! Especially when the items are unique.

The entertainment this year will be better than ever. The stars of the show are the Edelweiss Band, an authentic German group, who will be playing "oom pah" music for your listening, dancing and beer-drinking pleasure between noon and 4 p.m. Festive German music will be heard throughout the event.

In addition, the event will feature live performances from local children's groups presenting singing, dancing and other entertainment from West Annapolis' own Art Space.

For extra fun, a special Kids' Zone has been created. West Annapolis Elementary School PTA is holding its Fall Festival to coincide with Oktoberfest this year. The section of Annapolis Street in front of the school has been closed in order to provide special fun targeted at the younger set. There will be games, contests and kid-friendly food like pizza and hot dogs. The big attractions are "kid friendly entertainment." So, truly, this year there is something for every member of the family.

Authentic German food is featured with a full choice of different wursts and a variety of seasonal German beers. There is something for every member of the family, with a full range of other foods available. Fun things like funnel cake to hot dogs, delicious North Carolina Bar-B-Que, ice cream, hamburgers, sandwiches and even oysters on the half shell. So come and join the fun! Prosit!

For more information contact Bill Herald, 410-280-1545,wildbirdcenterofannapolis@verizon.net.