The Oktoberfest, which took place on October 13 at the Hacienda, is an adaptation of the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Cities across the world have designed their own Oktoberfest’s in order to celebrate German culture.
The 5th annual Oktoberfest focused on family fun, incorporating activities for all ages. Young kids enjoyed playing in bouncy castles, having their faces painted, and decorating pumpkins. “We have a lot of kid activities on purpose, so there is something for all ages,” said Judy Dinkle, member of the Board of Directors for the Hacienda Foundation.
The Hacienda Foundation helped substantially in the production of the Oktoberfest. The foundation thinks that it is important to represent different cultures in the community. “We put on the Oktoberfest, and the town corresponds with us because they let us have it here, but we staff it and produce it,” explained Dinkle.
All proceeds from Oktoberfest go to the renovation and restoration of the Hacienda building.
Campolindo students from the German Club, the Leo Club, and Girl Scouts volunteered in different areas at the festival. Sophomore Dahlia Theriault, a member of the Leo Club, helped order food. The Leo Club is a nationwide organization that focuses on volunteering. Theriault believes that volunteering is rewarding. “It’s giving back to the community, which is nice, and it’s good for college credits,” she explained.
Freshman Kyra Merryman, a member of Girl Scouts, also volunteered at the Oktoberfest. She worked at the dessert table, making root beer floats. “It’s good to know about different cultures,” Merryman said.
A Bavarian band provided music, and people danced in traditional German clothing. “Seeing the people in lederhosen is really funny,” said Theriault.
The Diablo Regional Porsche Club presented their German Porsches for a “Best of the Show” contest, and the Lafayette Rotary Club raffled off a canoe. Guests savored the traditional sausages, sauerkraut, apple strudel, beer, and giant pretzels.
The Moraga Oktoberfest attracted different generations. In 1810, the purpose of Oktoberfest was to drink the old stocks of beer to make room for a new brew that would be made after harvest. Today, communities gather to celebrate the beginning of fall in the customary German way. “It signifies that summer’s over, and it’s almost Halloween,” said Theriault.
