FLIGHT SONG DANCE … Dancers from Toledo Holzhacker Baum dance with several young onlookers.
(PHOTOS BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
Hoisting … The final three contestants in the men’s hoisting competition struggle to keep their stein held high.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Polka music filled the square as Oktoberfest kicked off in Bryan. Sponsored by the Bryan Chamber of Commerce and Altenloh, Brink and Co, Oktoberfest celebrates German culture, food and beer.
Originally started in Munich, Germany in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig, Oktoberfest is celebrated in many communities across America.
Historic German clothing, dirndls, lederhosen and tyrolean hats could be seen not only on the performers but throughout the crowd.
Eric Newbauer Ensemble Die Dorfmusikanten provided traditional polka music as well as some contemporary hits like “Margaritaville” and “Sweet Caroline”.
Dancers from Toledo Holzhacker Baum entertained the crowd with three performances. With their closing song Fliegerlied, performers invited the crowd to join in to tell the flight story of the song.
Competitors could try their hand at some popular German games. The YMCA of Williams County provided a kids game area from 2-5pm, including Hammerschlagen which involves pounding a nail into a stump.
Kids were not the only ones competing, adults had two chances to try their hand at Masskrugstemmen, a hoisting contest. Entrants competed to see who could hold their masskrug the longest.
The 1 liter glass filled with beer, weighing approximately 5 pounds, is held outstretched in front for as long as possible.
The arm must stay parallel to the ground, the thumb cannot be on the top of the handle and no beer can be spilled.
Contestants were separated into a mens and womens round. The first competition ended with the mens winning time of 4 minutes 45 seconds.
The women’s champ was not far behind with a time of 4 minutes 26 seconds. All contestants received a consolation prize consisting of whatever beer was left in their stein.
Food trucks lined the south side of the square, many offering traditional German dishes such as brats, pretzels with beer cheese, German potato salad and Kartoffelsuppe, a German potato soup.
Other options included smash burgers, pulled pork, tacos, and lemonade. Drink vendors were on sight to keep steins full. Oktoberfest admission was $5 and lasted from 2-10pm.