Valley celebrates zwei Oktoberfesten

The real Oktoberfest in Munich lasts from the middle of September until the first few days of October, so it’s not that odd having both Carson Valley’s celebrations in the middle of the month.

Last weekend, Sertoma conducted its 30th Oktoberfest, which is typically in mid-September, but Heritage Park was already rented.

“We estimate between 500 and 700 attendees throughout the day,” said Sertoman Gregg Carlson of the turnout on Sunday. “The weather was prefect for the event. The food and beverage vendors were pleased with sales as well as the crafters.”

Carlson said the Bratwurst Band from Reno played the favorites.

“The Bratwurst band was lively, and people danced on the grass barefoot, especially to the Chicken Dance, which the band performed twice,” he said. “Overall there was lots of positive feedback by the vendors, crafters and attendees. We look forward to bringing the event back next year for the enjoyment of the community.”

Valley residents were able to practice their German, ordering “eine bier, bitte” in Genoa on Oct. 14, as Nevada’s oldest town conducted an Oktoberfest to raise money for work on the Town Hall.

“Genoa’s first Oktoberfest had a relaxed, mellow vibe, with people enjoying brats, beer and latkes while sitting at picnic tables decorated with the traditional blue-and-white Oktoberfest colors,” spokeswoman Gayle Vassar said. “The Sagebrush Rebels Band played a lively mix of Country Western favorites and polka music plus three rounds of ‘The Chicken Dance,’ which got people up and moving.”

There were 14 arts and crafts vendors, five food and libations vendors, and a booth selling Genoa Candy Dance candy.

Many of Douglas County’s most prominent older families arrived here from Germany in the 19th Century starting with H.F. Dangberg, who arrived in the mid-1850s.