P R E S S R E L E A S E

OKTOBERFEST IN BROOKINGS
October 6-10, 2010

Brookings is celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Oktoberfest with five full days of fun activities. The action will include a German Film Festival, a concert of German music, and will culminate with the wedding celebration that was the genesis of Oktoberfest in 1810. This privately organized festival will allow the public to experience the fun and beauty of the traditional Munich festival somewhat closer to home.

German Film Festival
Festivities will begin on Wednesday, October 6, 2 PM, with the opening of the German Film Festival at the Redwood Cinema, 621 Chetco Avenue, Brookings. Three German films will be shown each day, at 2 PM, 5 PM, and 8 PM, with an extra screening at 11 PM on Friday, October 8. Most films will be introduced by Lon Goddard, who will put the films in the context of history, society, and the German film industry.

Tickets for individual films are $5.50. Any three entries are available for $15, and an individual Festival Ticket for all 16 films is $60. For more information, go to: www.redwoodtheater.com/filmfest/index.htm.

Concert of German Music
A concert of German music is scheduled for Thursday, October 7, 7 PM, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1200 Easy Street. Familiar German classical composers will be presented by local musicians and vocalists, along with rollicking folksongs sung by the Brookings Chorale, directed by Russ Oelheim, and perhaps a yodel or two.

This concert, organized by concert pianist Christy Dolan, is free to the public, with donations requested.

Royal Oktoberfest Wedding
Most people don’t know that Oktoberfest actually began in the year 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prinz Ludwig of Bavaria and Prinzess Therese of Saxony. The entire city of Munich was invited to the festivities, which took place on a large meadow, where Oktoberfest is still celebrated today. Brookings will recreate this royal wedding on Saturday, October 9, at 11 AM in Azalea Park, and everyone is invited to join the Wedding Procession. Please wear a Dirndl or Lederhosen if at all possible!

Guests will gather at 11 AM on the lawn in front of the Bandshell Stage in Azalea Park. The Prinz and Prinzess, King Maximilian (Ludwig’s father), and the Monk of Munich will be introduced, and lively music will be provided by Carl Rovainenâ’s Bookdock Band. The crowd will then follow the bridal pair around Azalea Park to the Capella, where the actual wedding ceremony will occur. Music will be provided by tenor Cy Vandemeer and pianist Gerry Moffit. Reserved seating inside the Capella, limited to 40 people, is available for $20 in advance. For tickets, please call 707-487-6309.

Oktoberfest Garten
After the wedding ceremony, the entire procession, led by trumpeter Jef Hatch and international flagbearers, will walk to Art Walk Alley for the actual Oktoberfest. This tiny alley, just off Chetco Avenue between Oak and Willow Streets, will be decorated like a German village, with flags, flower boxes, and street vendors. Traditional German Bratwurst and Bier will be prepared by George Rhodes, chef of the Art Alley Grille, on Saturday and Sunday, October 9 and 10, from Noon to 5 PM. Oompah bands will be conducted by Karen Warwick and Carl Rovainen. Art Walk Alley will be the heart of the Brookings Oktoberfest, with games for all ages conducted by Don Meier and dancing from one end to the other.

Art Exhibits
The Brookings Oktoberfest will be on the same weekend as the monthly Second Saturday Brookings Art Walk, 4 to 7 PM. Brian Scott Gallery, 515 Chetco Avenue, will feature paintings of German subjects by local artists, as will the Manley Art Center, 433 Oak Street. The Chetco Community Library, 405 Alder Street, will present an exhibit beer steins. A walking tour through the various Art Walk venues will be conducted by Pete Chesar starting from the Manley Art Center at 4 PM.

Culinary Delights
C&K Markets will work with the Brookings-Harbor High School students to offer the traditional, heart-shaped Oktoberfest cookies that are worn around the neck like a big necklace. Rayâ’s Food Place, corner of Chetco and 5th Street) will also have their outdoor barbeque fired up. MoVino Wine Bar, 625 Chetco Avenue, will offer select German wines for tasting on Saturday, 3 PM to 8 PM. Bakery By the Sea, 1105 Chetco Avenue, #A, will prepare authentic German and Austrian pastries.

More Information
For more information, go to: brookings-oktoberfest.info, or call Leslie Wolf, 541-412-8707.