Oktoberfest arrives and the Virginia Beer Museum dresses for the occasion

If it’s late September, it must also be by German beer drinking standards, time for Oktoberfest to begin. – I know it’s confusing to me too, but I think it is steeped in a cultural heritage that can’t wait for October to actually arrive before celebrating that arrival with the toast of seasonally brewed hops of a certain character, leading certain characters to act out their affection for the fall season and the fall season’s Brewmeister creations.

The Oktoberfest banners are out and the Beer Museum frauleins were dressed for the Sept. 26 kickoff. Royal Examiner Photos by Roger Bianchini

Consequently, carrying on a tradition of celebrating Virginia’s crafted beers, including several carrying Oktoberfest logos, Front Royal’s Virginia Beer Museum began its Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, September 26.

Food was provided by familiar Museum caterers So Mote It G Beef BBQ, which for the occasion grilled up some of the best ‘wurst (as in bratwurst) around with the appropriate Germanic sides; and by Joie de Vivre Fine Foods providing crepes – French cuisine, German cuisine, everybody in Western  Europe celebrates Oktoberfest!

The food stands were strategically placed, with So Mote It G’s bratwurst and accoutrements in the stage area and Joie de Vivre’s crepes ‘stage left’ in the biergarten/parking area.

But don’t worry if you missed Oktoberfest’s launch – October has just arrived, and the party continues…

Appropriately clad and beer-mugged host David Downes and Eric Bartok who took care of the German Oktoberfest-inspired recorded ‘oompah’ musical selections.

One mom and child were certainly enjoying the music

Bruce and Robin put their heads together to become appropriately attired for the occasion.

The tent was up just in case some rain moved in from the Black Forest region.

And don’t tell anyone, but a second pass at Joie de Vivre’s crepes, above; and So Mote It G’s bratwurst and sides.