Reflections from Behind the Tap // Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, Texas
Oktoberfest consistently pulls in 3X the town's population in terms of tourism. So. Who are the helping hands behind the operation? Local volunteers! We're featuring a guest post by Fredericksburg local, Megan, as she shares her experience as a first time volunteer.
This past weekend we once again celebrated at our local Octoberfest, though this year was a little different for me. I actually hadn’t planned to go as my husband and I are new parents of a sweet babygirl, but we had the chance to volunteer, something we’ve been wanting to do for several years so we put our names down for a shift, and man oh man did we ever have a blast! Being “behind the tap” was such a fun experience and a whole new way to enjoy Oktoberfest!
A little info that I learned at “Volunteer Orientation” Night – is that the Oktoberfest is completely put on by the PCAA (Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance), a local NPO, and all the proceeds from the event go to support other ventures and scholarships within the community. Even more impressive is that the Oktoberfest is put on 100% by community volunteers! VOLUNTEERS! If you’re reading this and have ever had the pleasure to attend the event I hope you’re as amazed by this as I am! Even more amazing is that a majority of the volunteer hours are filled by people twice my 35 years of age and older! Opa’s and Oma’s everywhere making sure we’re able to raise the glass and have a good time!!
Visiting with people from all over the world, serving them, laughing with them, cheering with them, and raising a toast when the band yelled “PROST!” was such a joy! Hands down, this was by far my most favorite Oktoberfest experience! I highly recommend signing your name on the volunteer sheet, taking an active part in keeping the Oktoberfest tradition going strong, and experiencing the fun from a whole new angle!!
Roll out the barrel! PROST! - Megan
Fredericksburg locals, Megan and Monica, share some of their experiences as an Oktoberfest volunteer.
Megan
How long have you lived in Fredericksburg/how long have you been attending Oktoberfest?
35 years (minus a handful for college and adventures)
What inspired you to volunteer at Oktoberfest?
Actually my husband did. We have been talking about it for years and then one day a lovely email appeared in my inbox with a date/place/time for my bending volunteer adventure!
What kind of brews did you serve?
Mostly micro-brew. My taps were Guns & Oil, Revolver, Robert Earl Keen Honey Pils, and 805.
How many people would you guess-timate you served?
Yikes… millions! Kidding, we probably served 100 people or so. We had the early shift on Friday so it wasn’t quite as hoppin’ as I’m sure the Saturday shift was!
Favorite story from your time volunteering?
Meeting a couple that were Aunt and Uncle to the wife of a classmate who was a few years older than I. They were hilarious and had a BALL!
Did you meet anyone visiting from outside of the US? Where was the furthest destination?
Lots of out of towners, one fella all the way from Germany! Prost!
Best Oktoberfest outfit you witnessed.
There was this little bitty fella hangin’ out in a baby back pack, with a lederhosen onsie and felt peter pan hat! STOP with the cuteness!
Final thoughts?
Couldn’t recommend volunteering more! We had an absolute blast and it truly is a great way to give back and participate in the fun as well! To my knowledge the entire festival is put together with volunteer hours! Think about how crazy that is!! Such a fun time and fun to be a part of helping make it happen!
“Visiting with people from all over the world, serving them, laughing with them, cheering with them, and raising a toast when the band yelled “PROST!” was such a joy!”
“I love the smells, the location, the laughter, ridiculous dancing, togetherness and just getting silly...It’s special in so many ways. There’s such a strong sense of community associated with it.”
Monica
How long have you been volunteering at Oktoberfest?
I’ve been helping with Oktoberfest since 2009. I had lived here for 2 years and had a good understanding of which organizations I wanted to get involved with at that point. It was at the top of my list. Spectacular event!
What’s your favorite part about volunteering?
Giving back is at the heart of it and I’m a total people person so, naturally, its the people (Auslanders and locals alike) that make it fun for me. And being able to sample the beer doesn’t hurt, either!
Do you have any traditions you follow each year at the festival?
Potato pancakes are my absolute favorite festival food! I like to do the Kraut Run too. And it’s always been a tradition for my Dad and I to volunteer and serve together, though. I’ve always put together a team though ranging anywhere from 20 to 4 people.
Describe your favorite memory of volunteering at Oktoberfest.
Oh gosh…I can’t tell that one! There are so many. I love the smells, the location, the laughter, ridiculous dancing, togetherness and just getting silly. I’ve had so many friends come visit and stay with me during this event; It’s special in so many ways. There’s such a strong sense of community associated with it. There’s not an empty bed in this town.
What beer do you usually serve? What’s your favorite brew?
I serve wherever I’m needed, no preference. BUT if I could have picked this year it would have been Austin Eastciders Blood Orange. I’ve never been big on ciders but OMG!
Any fun facts you could share about volunteering/Oktoberfest?
You can get the best festival attire at Kuckucks Nest. They set a booth up at the event, but if you’re smart (or local) you’ll go by their shop during the week for the best selection. Be willing to invest - its authentic.
Prost y’all! - Monica
