Oktoberfest hits Laughlin

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Travis Antoniono
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Oktoberfest is right around the corner and Laughlin members will be able to partake in the annual celebration.

Laughlin's Oktoberfest will commence at 4 p.m. Oct. 16 and will last into the early morning at the Babe Ruth Softball fields.

Oktoberfest is an18-day festival held every year in Munich, Germany. The original Oktoberfest was a horse race held in Munich Oct. 12, 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Today, Oktoberfest in Munich is attended by more than 6 million people each year and is celebrated by millions more across the world.

Countless contests are in store for Laughlin's Oktoberfest. From bratwurst eating to keg throwing and from guess the beer to yodeling, there are contests for everyone. If contests aren't your thing, you can spend the night bobbing for apples, listening to DJ Giggles and chicken dancing the night away.

Mike Easterly, Club XL operations manager, highlighted the assistance of the 47th Operations Group and said, "It is the strong base cohesiveness that allows this event to take place. We are well prepared for the event and are planning for 500 people."

When not competing in contests or grooving to the music and beating the beat, people will be able to enjoy an array of treats at the German buffet. German sausages, sauerkraut, buttery soft pretzels, red cabbage, German potato salad and rolls are all included.

The cost to attend the event will be $10.00 for members and $20.00 for non-members. Kids 4 to 11 year-olds are $10.00 and kids three and under are free. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at Jack's Place, Club XL, Silver Wings and the Losano Fitness Center.

Besides the $10 discount for admission as a member, there will be nearly $2,000 worth of prizes eligible only to members. This includes $900 of cash prizes and a members' drawing for two iPads, each valued over $500.

"Oktoberfest has been one of Laughlin's most highlighted and successful events. Last year was great and this year will be no different," said 1st Lt. Michelle Mahar, Club XL special projects officer.