2008 Woodie Awards
Oktoberfest in Helen
German festival returns to Northeast Georgia
by Rebekah Scruggs
Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: Connections
People in White, Habersham and other counties close to Helen, Ga. are celebrating the town's 2008 Oktoberfest.
According to helenchamber.com, Oktoberfest began in Munich, Bavaria and Germany. It's one of the world's biggest fairs. It's a 16-day festival centered around eating, drinking, and having fun.
Today, people from all over the world still celebrate this traditional fair. In Helens Alpine Village, people come from all over to participate in the fun.
This year is the 38th annual Oktoberfest in Helen. It began on Sept. 11 and will run through Nov. 2. Helen has held an Oktoberfest since the 1970s. It started out small, but afterward became the biggest celebration in the Southeast.
The name Oktoberfest comes from the word oktoberfestbiers, which is the name of the beers that have been served at Oktoberfest since the year 1818.
Alcohol isn't the only item served at Oktoberfest. Traditional German food, such as red cabbage, bratwurst, sauerkraut and potato salad is available.
German beers and wines, tea, coffee and soft drinks will also be available.
German musicians play; you can dance to the polka or do the chicken dance, if you prefer.
You can spend your day window-shopping in Helen's many stores, or just sit and enjoy the weather. A parade also took place on Sept. 13.
Senior theater major Dillon Nelson lives close to Helen and has witnessed the town's Oktoberfest.
"During Oktoberfest, Helen is crowded, but fun. There's lots of Lederhosen, food and crazy people."
According to helenchamber.com, Oktoberfest began in Munich, Bavaria and Germany. It's one of the world's biggest fairs. It's a 16-day festival centered around eating, drinking, and having fun.
Today, people from all over the world still celebrate this traditional fair. In Helens Alpine Village, people come from all over to participate in the fun.
This year is the 38th annual Oktoberfest in Helen. It began on Sept. 11 and will run through Nov. 2. Helen has held an Oktoberfest since the 1970s. It started out small, but afterward became the biggest celebration in the Southeast.
The name Oktoberfest comes from the word oktoberfestbiers, which is the name of the beers that have been served at Oktoberfest since the year 1818.
Alcohol isn't the only item served at Oktoberfest. Traditional German food, such as red cabbage, bratwurst, sauerkraut and potato salad is available.
German beers and wines, tea, coffee and soft drinks will also be available.
German musicians play; you can dance to the polka or do the chicken dance, if you prefer.
You can spend your day window-shopping in Helen's many stores, or just sit and enjoy the weather. A parade also took place on Sept. 13.
Senior theater major Dillon Nelson lives close to Helen and has witnessed the town's Oktoberfest.
"During Oktoberfest, Helen is crowded, but fun. There's lots of Lederhosen, food and crazy people."
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