It's Time for Octoberfest!

It's time for Octoberfest!!!!!

This Friday night at Barksdale AFB, if you have base access, come on out to Octoberfest! Steve and I went last year for the first annual BAFB Octoberfest and we had a stellar time. Tons of fun! You can go here to read all about that and see pictures.

The only problem we had last year was that we spent toooooo long in the beer lines (not enough of them) and then they ran out of Sam Adams Octoberfest on draft and we had to drink inferior beer. Travesty. They promise to have learned from their mistakes this year and we are pumped and primed for a good time. Even better - our friends Ray and Donna are going to join us this year. We love Ray and Donna because they laugh all the time and you can't help but have fun when you are with them.

Here is the BAFB press release with the details:

The second annual Oktoberfest will be held at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 2 outside the Barksdale Club. All Barksdale Airmen are invited to attend the Friday night event.

The Barksdale Oktoberfest is based on the traditional German Oktoberfest, a 200 year-old festival held in Munich. The event, which lasts 16 days leading up to the first Sunday in October, includes large amounts of hearty food, Bavarian delicacies and beer.

The local event, co-hosted by the Company Grade Officers Council, Army and Air Force Exchange Service and the 2d Force Support Squadron, only lasts one day, but brings the Oktoberfest tradition of food, spirits and atmosphere to the Airmen of Barksdale.

"The Oktoberfest celebration provides a top-quality, morale-building event for the entire Barksdale community," said Col. West Anderson, 8th Air Force chief of staff and festival chairman.

The Barksdale Club will be serving an authentic German buffet as part of the entry fee to include; schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut, kartoffelsalat and pretzels. Other food items such as turkey legs and sausage-on-a-stick will be available for an additional cost.
Various German and domestic beers will also be available at numerous locations throughout the festival area, with Hanger II serving other beverages.

"This year we have added more beer taps and streamlined wine sales," said Capt. Elizabeth Copeland, 2d Medical Operation Squadron Oktoberfest point of contact. "We have also moved to a beer ticket sales system to reduce time at the tap related to making change for bills."

Additionally, AAFES will be selling German-themed items and food in the weeks leading up to Oktoberfest at both the main exchange and the shoppette.

Live music will be provided by Alpen-Musikanten who will be returning again this year. Their colorful show combines German Biergarten favorites, folk instruments, group participation, singing, yodeling and a wide variety of festive music.

"The Dallas-based German band Alpen-Musikanten delighted the audience at last year's Oktoberfest," said Captain Copeland.

The event is open to over 18 and active duty members of Barksdale, as well as the retired community and authorized civilian guests. Advance tickets can be purchased from squadron CGOC members or at the base exchange starting Sept. 8 through Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; cost is $17 per person which includes buffet, a commemorative mug and two beers or sodas. Tickets can be purchased after Sept. 30 or at the event for $20 at the Barksdale Club.