Wear a chicken hat to the El Cajon Oktoberfest Sunday and you will be eligible to participate in the chicken hat contest. You may just win ….. a flat of chicken eggs!
You’ll have to be the “Funniest Fowl,” the “Best Popular Poultry,” or, the most “Creative Cluck”. People of all ages may enter the contest. The mayor of El Cajon, Mark Lewis will be one of the judges. The judging will take place at 3:30 p.m..
Wear a chicken hat to the El Cajon Oktoberfest Sunday and you will be eligible to participate in the chicken hat contest. You may just win ….. a flat of chicken eggs!
You’ll have to be the “Funniest Fowl,” the “Best Popular Poultry,” or, the most “Creative Cluck”. People of all ages may enter the contest. The mayor of El Cajon, Mark Lewis will be one of the judges. The judging will take place at 3:30 p.m..
Later in the evening, you may find yourself doing the popular “chicken dance” played by the authentic German band Guggenbach-Buam from Germany. The “Chicken Dance” which originated in Germany has now become an American favorite.
Mike Anderson, Oktoberfest Chairperson for the last 17 years believes the dance has captured the enthusiasm of Americans because it provides for audience participation, from the very young to the very old. He said that it is part of “silly fun” and people love it.
“It is an equalizer,” he said. “You’ll see strong mature men joining in with the ladies and kids in shaking like a duck. No one appears to be above it, he said.
The band also plays typical German folk polkas that please dancers and audience alike.
According to Anderson, they are selling eight different German Beers at the festival. The most popular being the Weihenstephaner. It is the best known because it is the oldest beer made by the oldest brewery in the world. In addition, they are carrying Warsteiner new beer.
It was brewed in March to be ready for October.
Nicole King, last year’s queen said that Oktoberfest is a festival for families to enjoy wholesome fun together…from grandma to grandchildren. The food, she said is 100 percent German in the German style of cooking. She also mentioned the delicious German pastries and said everyone should experience them.
King said that Oktoberfest is run entirely by club members of the sponsoring “German American Societies,” and other volunteers. This year beingthe 41st year of presenting the Oktoberfest festival in El Cajon. More than 20,000 people attended last year’s festival.
Louis Kronoz, a new member of GAS expressed his feelings that Oktoberfest is a “cultural opportunity.” He said that the different ethnicities we have in California have the opportunity to come together to experience another culture in our community. He said that these are the times to share the joy and happiness with those of other traditions.
Brian Williams, the clubhouse manager said Oktoberfest is a “wonderful time of happiness and good feelings.” “You don’t have to be German to appreciate Oktoberfest,” he said.
Oktoberfest is being celebrated at the GAS club location at1017 S Mollison Ave. in El Cajon. It is open to the public. A $5 fee will be charged for adults and all others under 21 years old and active members of the military will be free of charge.
The festival will run Oct. 5- 7. The hours of operation will be, Friday from 4 p.m. to l0 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday, from Noon to 9 p.m..
A schedule of festival events may be obtained at the site.
