Moorpark’s Enegren Brewing Company hosted the 23rd annual Oktoberfest with live music, German food and a petting zoo.
The Oktoberfest festival originated in Munich, Germany, and highlights traditions such as beer barrel tapping, live music and dance performances. Oktoberfest has grown in popularity over the years in different states and countries.
The Sept. 25 event’s first activity used a 60-gallon barrel of Festbier, which is a beer that is traditionally served at Munich’s Oktoberfest. A staff member of the event used a wooden mallet to hammer in the tap on the side of the barrel of Festbier in order to dispense the beverage to those who’ve purchased a beer token to redeem a 0.5 Liter cup of Festbier.
Although Oktoberfest can be known for its beer, Master of Festivities at Enegren Brewery John Bird brought forward that Oktoberfest is an event for the family.
“There is no age requirement for this event, it is meant for family and friends,” mentioned Bird. “We have fun activities for children such as a petting zoo, crafts and a Ferris wheel. We want this event to be as inclusive as possible.”
A corridor outside the brewery was fully decorated with banners and chandeliers. A stage was also set up for live performances from German music bands. Fashion, art and food vendors filled every aisle.
Each booth at the event had its own unique contribution towards Oktoberfest. The booth Conejo Blue Star Mothers expressed their support for troops and veterans by selling heart-shaped cookie necklaces with “Support Our Troops” spelled out in icing.
Each cookie sale contributed to care packages for those in the military and their families. Chapter President of the Conejo Blue Star Moms Julia Merich went into detail about why their booth chose to sell heart-shaped cookie necklaces.
“One of our members is from Germany and she mentioned a German tradition at Oktoberfest, which are Lebkuchenhertz heart cookies,” revealed Merich. “Lebkuchenhertz is Christmas gingerbread. They are love cookies; each would have a different saying on them and is given to loved ones to wear as a necklace.”
Another booth Tracy’s Designer Closet featured bohemian outfits ranging from sweaters to vibrant skirts and dresses. Owner Tracy Rigillo-Field expressed her enjoyment of contributing to events like Oktoberfest.
“I love attending these type of events,” said Rigillo-Field. “I usually have my booth at farmer’s markets. It’s fun getting to meet new people.”
