German Culture at the Soulard Oktoberfest

Traditional lederhosen was the dress of choice at the Soulard Oktoberfest on October 8 and 9. Walking through the entrance into Oktoberfest at the Soulard Market Park, liters of beer, traditional German folk music and radiating smiles were among the first sights to see. People

of all ages were in attendance at Oktoberfest but only adults were able to drink the beer. Kids and adults were dancing at the live performances to songs barely anybody knew, but somehow loved. When taking a break from dancing, sitting down and enjoying authentic German food such as spätzel and bratwurst was the next item of business.

German heritage runs deep within the history of St. Louis. Remembering the German brewing tradition is a key reason for why the Soulard Oktoberfest continues annually. More than 5,000 people attended Oktoberfest over the two days this year. The event organizer, Soulard Restoration Group, says Oktoberfest is the most popular event they have all year. When asked what the proceeds from the beer, food and merchandise go towards, a Soulard Restoration Group member explained how all of the money is put back into community improvement efforts.

Live music was a dominating force at the Soulard Oktoberfest. Over the course of two days, five bands performed at Oktoberfest. Among a few of the bands, Die Spitzbaum and the Deutschmeister Band received the loudest applause. Each group played traditional German polka music and interacted with the crowd by reminding everyone to drink the rest of their beers. ‘Prost’ is a German word meaning ‘cheers’ and was often used after any song each band played. While looking at the crowd of people, no one had a bored look on their face.

Dylan O’Dell, a 22 year old resident of St. Louis, has been attending the Soulard

Oktoberfest for three years. Sporting lederhosen and gripping liters of beer, O’Dell was enjoying the atmosphere of Oktoberfest with his friend. When asked about his reasoning for coming to Oktoberfest, O’Dell explained that German culture has been a large part of his upbringing and he is trying to celebrate his German heritage. O’Dell said,

“Oktoberfest is an opportunity to celebrate the meaning of what being German is and appreciate the culture I was raised in. I love Oktoberfest!”

Another attendee at Oktoberfest was Andrew Devine, a sophomore at Saint Louis University. Devine talked about how he has never been to an Oktoberfest before and wanted to experience German culture. When asked what his favorite part about Oktoberfest was, Devine explained that dancing to the German music and tasting spätzel for the first time were among his favorite moments. After asking if he will be attending Oktoberfest again, Devine did not hesitate to say that he will be coming back.