Auburn’s very own Oktoberfest was alive with the hustle and bustle of 2,000 festival goers tasting over 150 beers.
All kinds of brewers, from Cahaba to Good People to Wild Leap Brew Co., were at Ag. Heritage Park on Saturday giving out samples and talking about their favorite drafts. Keith Yager, co-founder of Yellowhammer Brewing Co., attended the festival.
“This is my third year being in the great event,” Yager said. "We like to support it, and Auburn really puts on a fantastic event, and they really take care of the brewers."
Auburn University student Kimie McGraw was also enjoying the festival, especially the German Food, Gifts & More.
“Oktoberfest is great,” McGraw said. "All the beer vendors are super friendly and have quality beer. Shout out to the German Food, Gifts & More from Phenix City. They’re amazing. The food’s great."
Auburn’s Oktoberfest not only had a smorgasbord of beers and food to choose from, it also had contests. First, there was the Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest pageant, in which men and women dressed in lederhosen and dirndl, traditional German dress for women, competed to see who had the best and most authentic costumes.
Next, there was the stein-holding competition. This is traditionally known as Masskrugstemmen. The objective is to hold a 5-pound stein — a German drinking glass — parallel to the ground without spilling any beer. The arm must also be completely straight, so no bent elbows. Needless to say, the competition was stiff. However, a winner was crowned amidst the tipsy cheers from the crowd.
Last, but certainly not least, was the wiener race. As everyone crowded around the white fences to see the unusual derby, 10 dachshunds of varying sizes, ages and mixes were placed at the start line. Their racing gear: a hot dog bun, their prize: dog treats. There were two semi-finals and a final race to determine the fastest pup at Oktoberfest.
Every race started with someone at the end of their dog’s lane calling for them. Some ran to their owners, some ran to the crowds and some stayed put, too shocked and scared to move forward. Amidst the cheering crowds, the winning wiener dog was crowned. However, he wasn’t any puppy, but a 10-year-old dachshund named Flash. His owners, Daniel and Tracy Parsons, could be seen posing with their dog and his trophy after the race, which was put on by Moore’s Mill Animal Hospital.
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