Thousands Attend Vienna Oktoberfest 2016

VIENNA, VA -- Thousands of revelers got into the fall spirit with music, food and fun at Vienna's annual Oktoberfest celebration, held Saturday. The most popular dance was likely "the chicken dance" or perhaps the polka, and the favorite beverage of the day? Beer. Up to 20,000 were expected.

The ninth annual Oktoberfest was hosted by the Vienna Business Association and Town of Vienna and featured beer and wine, music, about a dozen food vendors, children’s activities, a German auto showcase and more from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, on historic Church Street.

The “star” of the day was beer with Vienna's own Caboose Brewing Company pouring four of its own beers, including a lager, IPA, pilsner, and hard cider. The day kicked off at 11 a.m. with the swearing-in of Vienna’s honorary "burgermeister" Friderike Butler followed by the opening of the beer garden. “Vienna Oktoberfest has truly captured my German heart,” says Butler, “and has added another highlight to feeling at home here in Vienna. There is so much to love about Oktoberfest: great music, German food and other tasty morsels from local food vendors, fun entertainment, local businesses showcasing their wares and services, the participants’ traditional dress contest, a polka contest, and so much more. Oktoberfest offers a wonderful occasion to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors and to meet new people in the welcoming, small town atmosphere that makes Vienna so special.”

Musical and other performances were scheduled at three venues – the beer garden, Town Green, and at Church and Center streets – throughout the day. Highlights included:

• Rocknoceros for the younger crowd and PB&J
• Acoustic duo Falling Home, to be followed by several other outstanding acoustic performers throughout the day
• Sexton’s 11-piece German band, performinb classic Oktoberfest music
• Fat Chance

PHOTO by Adam Kincaid, courtesy of Town of Vienna; see more photos on the Town of Vienna Facebook page