Oktoberfest Comes to Perry Hall

St. Michael Lutheran Church in Perry Hall hosted an Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, Oct. 23. The event was designed to engage members of the church, as well as area residents.

Because the church was founded more than 150 years ago by German immigrants, leaders felt it would be appropriate to celebrate its ethnic origins through a traditional German festival, said St. Michael Pastor John Mohan.

He added that in the distant past, Oktoberfest was frequently a highlight of the church's fall seasonal activities.

The event, which drew more than 150 community members, was a combination of food, games and traditional German music. 

During the afternoon, attendees played volleyball, darts and football. There was also a scarecrow-making workshop and a golf tournament, where the golfer whose ball landed closest to the hole was awarded a $50 gift card.

A selection of traditional German food was also served. Attendees could choose from bratwurst and knockwurst (two traditional Bavarian sausages), accompanied by sauerkraut and German potato salad. German chocolate cake was offered for those who still had room for dessert.

During their meal, diners were entertained by Perry Hall's unofficial mayor, William "Buddy" Butt. He played his accordion and sang German folk songs. Butt donned lederhosen and a German Alpine hat for his performance, during which many audience members sang along.

The event also included a farmers market and silent auction, which benefited the St. Michael Live Ministries.

In thanking attendees, event organizer Claudia Morrell said, "Today we honor the past, look to the future and have fun with our shared traditions."