Local Chapter of German Culture Club Hosts Oktoberfest

With Frankfort's German roots, it's not surprising that the community supports a German heritage club. (otherwise known as the German American National Congress or Deutsch Amerikanischer National Kongress in German) is the largest ethnic German cultural club with 30 chapters and 100-plus member societies across the United States, from Washington, D.C. to Phoenix, and has been active in Frankfort for 52 years.

One of the group's most popular events is the annual Oktoberfest, held Saturday, Sept. 24, with doors at DANK's Center Road banquet hall opening at 4 p.m. German food--including bratwurst--will be served, and entertainment will be provided by the Will Smacka Band, which has played at the club before.

A cash bar and optional auction round out the night, said organizer and DANK treasurer Anita Walthier. Tickets are $10 if purchased by Sept. 20 or $15 at the door.

Oktoberfest is traditionally celebrated in September, Walthier said, and dates back hundreds of years. As the annual harvest festival, farmers typically served a lot of wine and beer because they were bringing in the hops and grape crops in the fall.

Although Oktoberfest had its roots in southern Germany in Bavaria, the celebration is held throughout the country--all over the world, really--with Bavaria's blue-and-white national colors enthusiastically displayed.

It's a bit like St. Patrick's Day in that everybody celebrates it, Walthier said.

DANK's mission is to pass on German culture to current and future generations. As such, the chapter sponsors numerous ethnic-themed events during the year and co-hosts the on the first Saturday in May with the .

"That was one of the mayor's ideas," Walthier said.

"He wanted to re-establish the community with its original roots, German farmers," she added.

The day includes music, dancing and food.

"Whatever the people enjoy is who I hire. They're pretty lively, popular bands," Walthier said.

A new event this fall will be the Erika Neumayer fashion show on Oct. 9 featuring her Rare Designs.

"She makes custom dirndls, which are more modern and unique," Walthier said. "She's inspired by textiles throughout the world, and her designs are very popular in the German community."

Reservations can be made in advance by contacting Walthier at 708-636-3074.

Walthier noted that all DANK events are open to the public, and the banquet hall, which features a full bar, an outdoor covered beer garden and five acres of grounds, can be rented.

In addition to its events, the chapter invites people to visit the facility on the third Sunday of the month for the club's Sunday Socials. Following the regular membership meeting, the bar is open for beer, wine and sandwiches. 

Oktoberfest

When: Saturday, Sept. 24. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Where: , 25249 S. Center Road
How much? $10 if tickets are bought by Sept. 20; $15 at the door.
More info: Go to the DANK website.