Being one of the many favored activities that German Club participates in, the annual Oktoberfest at Gerhard’s in Kenosha proved to be an enjoyable experience for sequoits on October 17. The evening included immersement into German culture through singing, dancing and feasting on delicious food. According to Fox News, Oktoberfest has been occurring for over 200 years, and Antioch students have made it a priority to take part in the tradition, a continent away from where it originated.

After school on Monday, the members took off on the bus to Gerhard’s in Kenosha, a popular authentic German restaurant that has been serving up German favorites since 1966. The group took part in unique traditions such as singing along to “Das Rote Pferd”, a classic German children’s song that incorporated tons of goofy dance moves. Each student was then given the option of choosing either a wienerschnitzel, bavarian pot roast or rouladen, each popular dishes in Germany. The sides were red cabbage and spaetzle, an egg-noodle like side dish that was a definite favorite for the evening.

“My favorite part of Oktoberfest is definitely the food,” sophomore Anna Baker said. “The atmosphere is filled with German fun and amazing wienerschnitzel.”

Not only did the evening consist of new foods and decorations, but also German dancing and traditional dress. Among many of the cultural outfits worn, costumes including Lederhosen und Dirndl made an appearance during the celebration of the original 16-day festival in Munich, Germany. Club advisor and teacher Frau Katz continued her tradition of wearing her personal Dirndl at the annual Oktoberfest event, helping to spread authentic, German cheer towards her students.

As one of the many sequoits that participated in the trip, sophomore German Club officer Madison Shepherd enjoys attending all of the club activities because of the cultural aspect she gains.

“It’s a really great experience and one that everybody should put themselves into at least once,” Shepherd said. “The whole atmosphere makes everything more authentic and fun.”

The event was a big hit that left students full of German cheer and mouthwatering fulfillment. However, the club events don’t stop there as the members are planning on having a fundraiser selling Haribo gummies in the coming weeks. To take part in the fun, visit Frau Katz or find a German Club member today to get more information!