The festival was an all-ages affair that incorporated German flavors–games and contests–and lots of community.
This past weekend, the Abilene community participated in a tradition that goes back to the 1800s, Oktoberfest. What once started as a six-day wedding celebration has turned into one of the largest folk festivals in the world.
Grain Theory’s Oktoberfest wasn’t just a beer festival. It was a family-friendly event, with more than 20 different vendors, outdoor activities, and traditional German food.
“I've been coming here as a participant for about four years now,” says Reeves.
Lloyd Reeves says he encouraged his team at the Key City Veterinary Clinic to set up a booth at Oktoberfest.
“It's the first year we've done this. So I told my boss this was a good idea for us to get into. She was gung ho about it” says Reeves, “Got it all set up. And it just means a lot to be able to be out here for the community.”
Local vendors set up their goods in booths scattered around Cyprus Plaza. Kernel Kings, a homemade kettle corn business, offered free samples of some of their savory flavors - BBQ, steak, and even pickle.
“This is just a different, very diverse crowd. We've got little kids. We've got all the way up to eighty five year olds,” says McMillon, “So it's great just seeing that many people out in one place.”
Owner and Creator of Kernel Kings, Nick McMillon, says his wife is of German descent, and he finds it refreshing to see the community celebrate the age-old tradition.
“So to see kind of that diverse people coming out and kind of celebrating that heritage, bringing that out. It's really neat. It's good to see,” says McMillon.
From a bounce house to ax throwing the event featured activities making it fun for the whole family.
Abilene Farmer’s Market vendor, Meagan Fox, says even though the market is open weekly, Octoberfest brings more people downtown.
“When we do events like this, we're able to really show our faces to the community, let everyone see a little sample of what we have,” says Fox, “It really is just great meeting people and doing some community outreach.”
For organizers it’s not just about throwing a party, it’s also about supporting other small businesses.
Grain Theory ambassador Rebecca Armstrong says they’re excited to create the space for individual vendors and local businesses to meet new customers.
“So, you know, people want to see Abilene grow and want to support local people. So just always, if you can do it local, you should”
And that support for locals extended to neighbors dealing with food insecurity. In partnership with the Food Bank of West Central Texas Grain Theory welcomed attendees to exchange one bag of non-perishable food for a free beer voucher.
The director of programs at the Food Bank of West Central Texas, Summer Menchaca, says Oktoberfest is a great way to live out the organization’s mission
“So our mission is to fight hunger, feed hope. And so we cover thirteen counties, thirteen county service areas… So the heart of partnering with this is to be able to add to our donations to the food that we give out to our partners and to the community” says Menchaca.
Attendees got to enjoy an array of treats from their favorite local shops.
Owner of Caitie Pies, Caitlin Wallace-Bruno, created some special recipes just for Oktoberfest–including beef and Guinness handpies, currywurst and potato handpies… she also brought soft pretzels, apple strudel and Guinness chocolate cake.
“I love doing this because we always get to meet new customers. And from these events, we have a restaurant right around the corner,” says Wallace-Bruno, “And from these events, we always get people that come in like, I got the chocolate cake at your setup and now I'm up here having lunch, so it's fantastic, I love it.”
The festival featured two main-stage performing artists- Red Liners Band and Free-ride Band. While music was not taking the stage, several competitions were taking place.
Women and men gathered for the best dressed competition, the stein holding competition, and, of course, the best beard competition.
Kyle Weckwerth claimed the top prize in the Best Beard Competition.
“I won the fifth annual Downtown Oktoberfest at Green Theory. Best beard. And I got a really cool trophy and a whole swag bag, and it's great,” says Weckwerth.
Weckwerth says his victory was a long-time coming.
“I've had it for probably ten plus years. I just keep it this short or this long, I guess you could say,” says Weckwerth.
At this time of year–there are no guarantees for what to expect from the forecast. But mother nature co-operated.
Bartender and server at Grain Theory, Tavish Lefall, says Oktoberfest is a sign that cooler weather is on the way.
“Oktoberfest is a big relief. It's starting to get cool. We're in West Texas,” says Lefall “Once October hits, we're almost there. And it's not too hot, not too cold. So it's a breath of fresh air, if you ask me.”
Hundreds of people enjoyed the perfect weather during Oktoberfest…which some may feel is the best -though unofficial- start to fall.
