I found myself getting bored sitting at home wallowing in self absorption and duress. I went to a luncheon Friday with some of my good friends from the US Postal Service and enjoyed some great camaraderie and libations. Several of my good friends are retiring or thinking serious about it but I digress, it is not a reality for me at this time. During the luncheon, it was mentioned that my friend Randy was attending the Oktoberfest in Wake Forest and he invited me to come by. Anyhoodle...
It was around 2:30 when I drove by place and despite the light drizzle, things seem to be in full blossom and I could see several people, mainly families, headed into the festivities. With the Oompa music blaring from the inner sanctum, several teens where waving me to come on in. I slowed for a minute but then remembered that I need to stop and get some money for admission, food and drinks. So I proceeded to the nearest bank machine which eventually ended me up a WalMart. I unfortunately left my camera phone charging in my Jeep so I didn't get any good shots and boy, there were a few good picks to chose from.
It was close to 3:00 when I got back to the festivities and a light rain had just started. First thing I see is a small Bichon Frise running towards me. The cute little dog stopped right at my feet and looked up. When I looked up to see who the owner was, I recognized she was an acquaintance's wife. Even though I didn't know the dog, it acted as if it knew me and I picked the dog up and handed it to the Joe Seay's wife. She looked at me and said, "I know you! Weren't you at the luncheon yesterday?" I replied with a strong yes as I handed the dog over to her. "She got away and wouldn't come back. I'm glad she stopped when she saw you." She exclaimed. We both walked inside and I paid my three dollar admission fee and went to the beverage table and paid $10 dollars for a commemartive 18 ounce mug that include the "first" fill.
I scanned the entire area and was surprised to see so many folk enjoying a rich German culture. The music filled the room with a joy vient aire. Polkas are always so energetic and bright. In one corner was the live band pounding away as folk danced to the music. In the center where several rows of tables with people sitting and eating and drinking and making a manner of chatter. Even a few folk in lederhosen. The food and beer where nestled together in the corner opposite to the band on the other side of the room. The food tables was loaded with brats and sauerkraut, perogies, German potato salad, corn dogs (Is that German?) and caramel apples. Not a bad feast offering. The beer cart had Sam Adams, Aviator and Budweiser. I went for the Sam Adams Oktoberfest.
Several beers and plate of brats and potato salad later, I found myself being called up for a contest. Little did I know that this was a loaded contest. Six men were called to the stage, one would leave a victor. The competition was fierce and I was but a light weight in the crowd. Randy surely had this one sewed up. On top of that, he was the beer meister for the event. The votes were based on audience participation. The cheers were seemingly pointing to Randy as the hostess called for audience response. The other gents were eliminated and it was clear that the contest was between Randy and I. Another call went out and the audience agreed, the crown went to...
Oh, why would I give that away, hmm! Hold you in suspense or spill the beans. What a tough decision to make. Oh, I couldn' t do that to my loyal readers. Besides, you probably guessed the outcome, Randy won. Aha! Randy is in the picture on the left. I got you, I have the crown. A write up in the local paper, a bottle of German Spiced wine, two more beer mugs, a T-shirt and four free passes to next years festivities where I get to defend my crown. Aufedersein! Work here is done. I'm needed elsewhere now. I'm needed wherever outlaws rule the West, wherever innocent women and children are afraid to walk the streets, wherever a man cannot live in simple dignity, wherever a people cry out for justice.
It was around 2:30 when I drove by place and despite the light drizzle, things seem to be in full blossom and I could see several people, mainly families, headed into the festivities. With the Oompa music blaring from the inner sanctum, several teens where waving me to come on in. I slowed for a minute but then remembered that I need to stop and get some money for admission, food and drinks. So I proceeded to the nearest bank machine which eventually ended me up a WalMart. I unfortunately left my camera phone charging in my Jeep so I didn't get any good shots and boy, there were a few good picks to chose from.
It was close to 3:00 when I got back to the festivities and a light rain had just started. First thing I see is a small Bichon Frise running towards me. The cute little dog stopped right at my feet and looked up. When I looked up to see who the owner was, I recognized she was an acquaintance's wife. Even though I didn't know the dog, it acted as if it knew me and I picked the dog up and handed it to the Joe Seay's wife. She looked at me and said, "I know you! Weren't you at the luncheon yesterday?" I replied with a strong yes as I handed the dog over to her. "She got away and wouldn't come back. I'm glad she stopped when she saw you." She exclaimed. We both walked inside and I paid my three dollar admission fee and went to the beverage table and paid $10 dollars for a commemartive 18 ounce mug that include the "first" fill.
I scanned the entire area and was surprised to see so many folk enjoying a rich German culture. The music filled the room with a joy vient aire. Polkas are always so energetic and bright. In one corner was the live band pounding away as folk danced to the music. In the center where several rows of tables with people sitting and eating and drinking and making a manner of chatter. Even a few folk in lederhosen. The food and beer where nestled together in the corner opposite to the band on the other side of the room. The food tables was loaded with brats and sauerkraut, perogies, German potato salad, corn dogs (Is that German?) and caramel apples. Not a bad feast offering. The beer cart had Sam Adams, Aviator and Budweiser. I went for the Sam Adams Oktoberfest.
Several beers and plate of brats and potato salad later, I found myself being called up for a contest. Little did I know that this was a loaded contest. Six men were called to the stage, one would leave a victor. The competition was fierce and I was but a light weight in the crowd. Randy surely had this one sewed up. On top of that, he was the beer meister for the event. The votes were based on audience participation. The cheers were seemingly pointing to Randy as the hostess called for audience response. The other gents were eliminated and it was clear that the contest was between Randy and I. Another call went out and the audience agreed, the crown went to...
Oh, why would I give that away, hmm! Hold you in suspense or spill the beans. What a tough decision to make. Oh, I couldn' t do that to my loyal readers. Besides, you probably guessed the outcome, Randy won. Aha! Randy is in the picture on the left. I got you, I have the crown. A write up in the local paper, a bottle of German Spiced wine, two more beer mugs, a T-shirt and four free passes to next years festivities where I get to defend my crown. Aufedersein! Work here is done. I'm needed elsewhere now. I'm needed wherever outlaws rule the West, wherever innocent women and children are afraid to walk the streets, wherever a man cannot live in simple dignity, wherever a people cry out for justice.
