The City of Gaithersburg held their 27th annual Oktoberfest celebration in the Kentlands on Sunday, October 14. There was authentic German food, alcohol, music, dancing, and more for all to enjoy. The event is very family-friendly, with moon bounces and face painting catered towards young kids. Many think of Oktoberfest as a way to usher in autumn and as an indication that the season has officially arrived.
The celebration that takes place in Kentlands, however, is not quite like the one that occurs in Germany. Oktoberfest originated in southern Germany, also known as Bavaria; it was first observed in Munich in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian royals Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Today, many associate Oktoberfest with drinking excess amounts of alcohol; while this may be somewhat accurate, the festival goes far beyond that.
Even in Kentlands, many people can be seen donning traditional German garb, clothing that is not worn often these days. Oktoberfest allows Germans to honor the more traditional aspects of their culture and truly celebrate their origins; it also allows others to experience German culture and can be viewed as a learning opportunity.
Thus, the festival has evolved from a royal celebration to a celebration of culture. Many come to Kentlands to enjoy the lively atmosphere, food and drinks. Local Joshua Clayton was there to “drink some good beer and celebrate German heritage.”
Mike Buchner has been a resident of Gaithersburg for nearly 19 years, and is of eastern European descent, so he greatly enjoys the annual festivities. “I’m here because of my German background. My late father was from Germany and my late mother was from Austria, so I grew up with this type of food and this type of music– I wanted to expose my wife and daughter to it,” said Buchner.
One of the main attractions this year was traditional Bavarian dance club known as Alt Washingtonia. The club is based in DC and travels around the area performing dances originating in southern Germany and honoring the Bavarian culture. Bill Hummel has been dancing with them for some years now and is very passionate about the cause. “We represent a club in DC of families that are keeping the German culture alive, so they invited us to come show all the different dances and songs and cultural aspects of southern Germany,” said Hummel. He believes that doing so is important: “It’s all about [celebrating] your history. We are all Americans. It’s more family-oriented, not so much political or country-oriented,” explained Hummel.
Many other Oktoberfest-goers seem to be in agreement. “This is what makes America,” as Mike Buchner put it. Local Amanda Geiser was also enjoying the festivities with her family and some friends. “This area in particular is very diverse in culture, so it’s fun to celebrate the German festival but also see lots of people from different cultures here at the festival,” said Geiser.
Gaithersburg was ranked as the second most culturally diverse city in America by Wallethub this year. Festivals like Oktoberfest commemorate such diversity and assist in making everyone feel included and represented.
Article by MoCo Student staff writer Ayesha Shahzad of Quince Orchard High School