This article by Ray Spitzenberger first appeared in IMAGES for October 7, 2021, East Bernard Express, East Bernard, TX.
Considering my love of German and Czech polka music, I can’t let October pass by without writing about “Oktoberfests.” Back in the 1940’s in Dime Box, we never held an Oktoberfest, but we had mini-OKTOBERFESTS on alternate Saturday nights. when polka bands played at the SPJST Hall and beer was served in concession stands outside. I must confess that while I loved German and Czech music, I did not like the taste of beer. But beer and polka music go together for Oktoberfests.
The spelling of “Oktoberfest” tells you that it is a festival which originated in Germany. The origin of an Oktoberfest goes back to 1810, in Munich, Germany, when a two-week festival was held, starting on October 12, to celebrate the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria.
No doubt because of the huge number of German immigrants to Texas and to the American Midwest in the 1800’s, Oktoberfests are today celebrated in the United States, as well as in Germany. The first Oktoberfest in America was held in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, October 13, 14, and 15, 1961. I’m guessing that War with Germany made them unpopular in the 1940’s. The largest Oktoberfest in the United States is the Zinzinnati Oktoberfest in Cincinnati, Ohio.
If you are a lover of good polka music, you don’t have to travel to Bavaria or Wisconsin or Ohio to attend a Festival, as there are plenty being held here in Texas, a few having taken place already. Most of the “already-been-helds” took place in September (yes, I agree that it seems odd to hold Oktoberfests in September). There were September Oktoberfests in Ft. Worth, Addison, and Ft. Bliss.
One of the oldest Oktoberfests in Texas, the 40th Annual, was held in Fredericksburg, Texas, this past October 1, 2, and 3, with one of my favorite polka bands having played there, the Czechaholics. Also, you just missed the Oktoberfest in La Grange, held October 2, having featured another favorite band, the Dujka Brothers.
Still coming up though are the Annual Oktoberfest on October 16 in Spring Branch, the Island Oktoberfest in Galveston, October 22, the Oktoberfest Houston scheduled for October 22-23 in Buffalo Bayou Park, and the famous Wurstfest in New Braunfels, to be held November 5 through November 14, perhaps why it’s called a “Wurst” rather than “Oktoberfest” fest.
To some, Oktoberfest may be mostly about drinking beer and eating German cuisine, but to me, it’s about listening to, and dancing to, the best polka bands, though “best,” of course, is a matter of opinion. Still coming up during the rest of October and part of November are Fests featuring many of my favorite bands, as well as many that I am not familiar with.
Well, by no means am I a promoter of polka bands, I just have a few favorites that I especially enjoy, so I’ll mention those.
At the Island Oktoberfest in Galveston, on October 22, along with the Tuba Meisters, Isaac Klaus Music will be featured, Isaac Klaus, as young as he is, is one of the best accordionists I have ever heard. Among others, at the Buffalo Bayou Houston Oktoberfest, October 22-23, Jodie Mikula and Chris Rylak are playing.
Of course, the largest lineup of bands is scheduled for the Wurstfest, running .November 5 through November 14 in New Braunfels. Although the Wurstfest is held in November rather than October, it is truly an Oktoberfest! Lots of favorite bands will be playing for this; I’ll just mention a few of my favorites: the Ennis Czech Boys, Das Ist Lustig, the Lederhosen Junkies, Mollie B with Squeezebox and Ted Lange, Alex Meixner Band, and the Jodie Mikula Orchestra. And there are more great ones to perform also!
The original Oktoberfests in Bavaria featured parades with floats and beer wagons, and people dressed in folk costumes, followed by games, carnival-like rides, music, dancing, feasting, and the tapping of the keg. Similar festive activities are offered in the Texas Fests, too.
It all sounds like a lot of fun, but I am mainly interested in the music, — German and Czech polka music, that is.
-o-
Ray Spitzenberger is a retired WCJC teacher, a retired LCMS pastor, and the author of three books, It Must Be the Noodles, Open Prairies, and Tanka Schoen.