Yesterday was my town’s Oktoberfest celebration.  I was a crazy person and decided to 1) volunteer for the souvenir table, 2) take photos for the town, and 3) use the booth space that came with my sponsorship level.  But I wouldn’t have it any other way (crazy, that is).  I had a blast in das dirndl, and although I didn’t get to eat much (it’s like my wedding day all over again), I did enjoy a giant brezn.

This photo of yours truly (in the center) courtesy of Joanna Wright of Clover Creek Photography.

Anyway, living in a German settlement has its advantages in late September.  Real Germans are here to put on a heck of an Oktoberfest, especially given that we have a town-wide population of 1,600, and about five times that amount was here yesterday.  Thanks to a very kind native German woman in town, I was able to buy an authentic German dirndl to wear to fit the part.  Between my love of dresses and my love of dressing up for a theme, I rocked the milkmaid braids and dirndl and enjoyed every second of it.

There were lederhosen-clad children (and men!), wiener dog races, stein hauling and hoisting contests, Alpine dancing, live German music, and lots and lots of beer.  I talked to people about their outfits and their family history and their dogs.  I met one man who used to work on the space shuttle, but he’s retired now and he plays in the German music band.  I met a woman who is from Germany, wore a gorgeous dirndl and accented it with an old German choker necklace.  The people of this town are fascinating if you really get to know them.  I was lucky that I had an opportunity to walk around and photograph and talk to them, hearing stories or learning something new.  (Could this be the start of a new photo project about small town life?)

Take a look at some of the photos below.  The rest of them can be found in my gallery here, where you can share, download, and print the ones you like.  Just be sure to use the buttons on the right side of the image to download – right-clicking and saving will not save the hi-res image, so use the button that looks like a downward facing arrow instead.  Thanks to everyone who helped put on a wonderful Oktoberfest celebration.  Thanks to the people who came out, and those who stopped by our booth.  Thanks to my husband and my family for taking over my booth while I was out and about with my other tasks.   Comment below and let me know what you think of the photos!  Danke!