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Multiple generations of South Pasadenans came out to the city’s first family Oktoberfest, held on the grounds of the Historical Museum at the Gold Line station Saturday evening during the Fall Arts Crawl. It was a gorgeous, crisp, fall evening and it felt like the whole town came by to check out the fun. Kids and adults alike could be found clowning around at the wildly popular photo booth graciously provided by party concierge Partini. Revelers could immediately send their photo booth pictures to their phones to post to social media.
Jones Coffee was there serving cold brew on ice with a bit of pumpkin spice as well as hot coffees, while kids were treated to fun activities provided by the Tutor Doctor. The intoxicating smell of onions and authentic German sausages being grilled wafted through the air to greet guests as they mingled with neighbors and even danced to the perfect down to their lederhosen Oompah band, Der Wagnorettes! The D.U.D.E.S (Dads Uniting Dads in Education & Service) were serving their own handcrafted beer and homemade sausages at the artisanal tent while several craft beers were being served in the main tent along with soft drinks and the glorious German faire from Rasselbock’s of Long Beach.
Said longtime resident Bianca Richards on her way to get some sweet mustard, “I came out to support the Historical Museum, to eat really good bratwurst and it’s just another great community event!” Echoing those sentiments was Claire Hervey Collins who tells us, “I love to support the DUDES and this town and I’m really excited about walking around to all the shops. We’re going to have brats and beer and then go shop!”
Local Dad and musician Michael Gavlak said “I’m here because I’m a DUDE and actually this is an annual thing that we’ve done for the past few years but this is the first time we’ve done it in conjunction with South Pasadena Preservation Foundation and it’s just explosive tonight! It’s pretty exciting. We’re a community group and it just made sense to do something not just to increase our visibility but to show people they can contribute; by coming here and buying this food you’re actually giving to the community in a couple of ways; through education and the preservation of South Pasadena history.”
Looking at the jovial crowd, Ed Donnelly said it was exactly what they had envisioned, “we’ve got every generation represented here tonight; kids dancing in front of the oompah band, our friends from the Preservation Foundation sitting down and enjoying a great meal, families enjoying a night out. I couldn’t ask for more. We are very happy to be here and very grateful the community came out to support both organizations.”
City Council member Diana Mahmud was in a festive mood saying “I came to support the Preservation Foundation and I’m so pleased to see the DUDES putting the energy to helping out our schools. When my kids were young, the men were M.I.A(!), so it’s so nice to see the energy that the DUDES bring; they are a welcome new tradition in our town.”
Longtime resident Heidi Sanders exclaimed that she was here “to support the schools and our community! What a great event and the food was delicious. We went back for seconds!”
We heard time and again all evening how much everyone appreciated an event that was so multi-generational and how key that is for the growth of our community and for the continuity of preserving what we love about our town. Many said they hoped not only that the Oktoberfest would be back next year but that we would do more events like this that brings everyone out together.
Congratulations to the D.U.D.E.S and South Pasadena Preservation Foundation on such a well received, incredible Family Oktoberfest and thank you for all the work that you do for South Pasadena!
