Celebrate Oktoberfest in Lovettsville

From left, Sarita and Bill Barclay of Bethesda, Md., along with Regina Loffredo, of Mitchellville, Md., and Scott Bradford, 16, of Mechanicsville, Md., dance the ‘Rohrbacher Landler’ during Oktoberfest in Lovettsville in 2006. The dancers are part of a folk dance group called Alpine Dancers & Singers. Times-Mirror File Photo/AJ Maclean

One thing that many people probably have on their bucket lists is to attend Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. This 16-18 day celebration of beer begins in late September every year, lasts through early October and is known worldwide.

  While many in Loudoun may never make it to the actual Oktoberfest, they can celebrate without even crossing county lines by visiting the German settlement of Lovettsville this weekend.

  The 18th annual Oktoberfest will be Sept. 23 - 25 in the town, and it will feature live music and dancing, authentic German food, crafts, children’s activities, ceremonies and of course, beer.

  The festival shows the pride that Lovettsville residents take in their German heritage. German settlers came to the area just below the Potomac River in northern Loudoun in the 1730s, and many of today’s Lovettsville residents still carry the last names of the original settlers.

  No matter where you go in town this weekend, you’re certain to spot an Oktoberfest event.

  You can kick off the German celebration at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at the Lovettsville Community Center at 57 E. Broad Way. The authentic German meal will consist of bratwurst, sauerkraut and rye bread. If you have children, don’t worry; there will be hot dogs available too. The bratwurst meal costs $10 per person, and the hot dog meal costs $5 per person, and you can pay at the door.

  All weekend, there will be entertainment in the Main Tent next to Andy’s of Lovettsville at 2 S. Church St. and in the tent at Lovettsville Pizza & Subs at 26-D E. Broad Way.

  There will be crafts and children’s activities throughout downtown and a book sale at the Lovettsville Library, 12 N. Light St.

  After feasting on German food and drinking German beer Friday evening and Saturday, you may want a way to burn off those calories. Oktoberfest provides a way to do so with a Fun Run at 8 a.m. Sunday morning beginning at the Lovettsville Community Center. For an entry form, log onto loudoun.gov  , go to the Parks and Rec page, and find the Lovettsville Community Center and go to Special Events. The run costs $10 per person, but those younger than 6 are free.

  No matter if you go out to Lovettsville for one day of Oktoberfest or all three days, you’re sure to get a taste of some German heritage and learn some of Loudoun’s northernmost town’s history.

Be the first to post a comment!