Be ready to oompah at Oktoberfest, A Harvest Celebration

By Maureen Robertson

Bratwurst, sauerkraut, beer, German pretzels, German sliders, German funnel cakes and Frauleins armed with baskets of German pastries and more are on the agenda for Oktoberfest, A Harvest Celebration.

Presented by Ramona Chamber of Commerce, the family event will be at Ramona Community Center, 434 Aqua Lane, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12.

“Save the date,” said Charlotte Jensen, event chair. “You won’t be sorry.”

General admission is $10. Admission is free for children age 11 and younger and active military with ID. Advance tickets are available at the chamber office, 960 Main St., and will be available at the event.

“Your admission ticket is your ticket for the grand prize drawing,” said Jensen.

A beer garden will feature three microbreweries, each offering two Oktoberfest beers, and the chamber will sell wine.

“For the first time we will have beer tasting for those who just want to sample,” said Jensen.

The Oompah Band from Costa Mesa will play authentic German music and be dressed for the occasion. In addition, disc jockey Chris Kirk’s Bustin’ Loose will feature German music.

“We encourage people to come dressed in German theme,” said Jensen. “And watch for the pretty German Frauleins who will be there selling their wares — baskets filled with pastries.”

The adults will be invited to compete in the Chicken Dance Contest, and there will be a Brat Eating Contest and Stein Holding Contest.

For the children, “it’s activities all day long in the Pumpkin Patch Kids Zone,” said Jensen, adding that youngsters are encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes for the Halloween Contest. Honorary Mayor Sharon Davis, judge of the Coloring Contest sponsored by the Sentinel, will announce the winners in each age category. See page 24 for what youngsters ages 3 through 12 can color for the contest. Entries are due at the chamber office by Oct. 10.

Face painting and other activities are planned for the Kids Zone.

Also on tap will be the Oompah-pah Music Center, a dance area for those who want to kick up their heels.

If attendees want a change of pace, Los Amigos will have Mexican food for purchase.

“We thank the senior center and Ramona Parks and Recreation for helping us make this a successful event,” said Jensen. “And thanks to Harbour Farm and Andrew Bridgeman for the donation of pumpkins for the children to decorate and paint.”

Vendor space is still available, noted Jensen. Interested vendors may contact the chamber office, 760-789-1311.