Lively music and the alluring scent of roasting brats signaled the annual Oktoberfest Saturday in downtown Vacaville.
Hundreds turned out for the14th annual event, sponsored by Pure Grain Bakery & Cafe.
As visitors snacked on bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato salad and pretzels (and beer, including a specially-made hofbrau), they multi-tasked by wandering through craft vendors, browsing classic cars and just plain enjoying each other’s company in the expanded beer garden area in Town Square.
Vietnam veteran Andrew Moore sat on the outskirts of the square, enjoying his meal and the upbeat music from the nearby stage.
Asked about the jaunty German Alpine hat he wore, he replied: “I bought it in San Francisco.”
Seems the family, originally from Alaska but now living in Hercules, usually hits up Oktoberfest gatherings in San Francisco or Clayton. But this year, after the events were cancelled, a Google search brought them to Vacaville.
A boon, said Christopher Moore, Andrew’s son, as admission, $25 per person elsewhere, was free.
“This is good. The beer is perfect and the food is great,” Christopher said.
Andrew agreed.
“This is better than San Francisco,” he emphasized.
Christopher experienced his first Oktoberfest at 13 in Munich. As he got older, he gained an appreciation of his German heritage.
So much so that the whole family — including his dad, wife, son and two daughters — now gets dressed up for the event, complete with suspenders and Alpine hats. The latter are festooned with all manner of decorative pins fit for the occasion.
“We’ll come again,” he said.
Nearby, children played, dogs frolicked and adults had a great time enjoying both the outdoors and the festivities. Conversation flowed as easily as the beer, as several attendees pointed out the best beer location, which is where the special hofbrau was being served.
Friends Annie Kirnig and Marilyn Royse enjoyed the fun atmosphere.
I love it,” said Kirnig. “It’s wonderful.”
“We’ve been dancing since 11:30,” shared Royse, around 1:30 p.m.
The friends love to dance and described the music as “perfect.” Jazz is Royse’s preference over “rock ‘n roll,” though Kirnig added “whatever’s playing now, I like.”
As others watched the friends twisting and turning to the music, they began joining in. The Gruber Family Band, back from a so-called “beer break,” started a new set. More attendees came down the pike to join the fun, food and brews in hand, and camaraderie reigned. Oktoberfest was set to continue into the early evening.
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September 26, 2021 at 08:56AM
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Oktoberfest toasted with beer, brats and fun - Vacaville Reporter
"Fun" - Google News
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