Monday, October 26, 2009

Oktoberfest and all that comes with it...

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.

11 comments:

Evil Twin's Wife said...

Sounds like a fun day! :-)

Warped Mind of Ron said...

omg! I can't believe I know Royalty!!! LOL... sounds like a good time.

kenju said...

Contest winning is always fun, especially if it includes beer and brats!!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a lot of fun. Nice way to spend an afternoon!

The Dish said...

I love that you won. Score for the tickets to next years festivities.

I wish we had an Octoberfest here. Being of German decent I love going to them. The tiny little town we lived in when I was little had a great one. Sigh.

Libby said...

what a great time!

fattie20xl said...

dude! that's awesome. the only thing i ever won was at camp when i won most-buoyant kid. 3 years in a row.

and i didn't get beer as a prize. :(

heheheh

kenju said...

I was disappointed that I didn't get to meet you last night. As soon as I get an answer from mr. kenju, I'll schedule that computer check-up you offered. Looking forward to it.
How was the MJ thing?

Shiny Rod said...

Kenju - If you where a MJ fan, you may like it. It was footage from the videos and rehearsals for his upcoming concert tour. I would have had more fun myself at the party but since I didn't buy the tickets, I had to be the cordial guest.

Anonymous said...

The Twitter authentication request that pops up each time I visit your blog is SERIOUSLY annoying to those of us that refuse to participate in that particular form of self-indulgence. -- K

Shiny Rod said...

Anonymous - It's an necessary evil I have to deal with since it is part of tracking my twitter updates. My apologies for any annoyance it may have caused. I have made some code changes so I hope this meets your approval.