Once again the ground of Fort Belvoir will come alive with the sights and sounds of Germany during its 9th Annual Oktoberfest. The German festival, held Sept. 30 through Oct. 3, will be located on the carnival grounds adjacent to Route One. This festival will offer Volksmarching, craft vendors, live music, carnival rides, car shows and German food and beer.
OKTOBERFEST 2004 events and activities:
Official keg tapping ceremony. This will be held on Thursday, Sept. 30, for German and American dignitaries and festival sponsors. The Fort Belvoir Garrison commander and the commander of the Headquarters German Armed Forces Command, located in Reston, Va., will be on hand for the traditional tapping of the first keg of beer.
The Fort Belvoir Officers' Wives Club Fall Bazaar. Located in the Wells Field House next to Oktoberfest, the bazaar will have more than 60 vendors and is scheduled for Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Other local vendors and event sponsors are located in the festival area.
Volksmarch. Volkmarchers can walk at their own pace on an 11-K Volksmarch course through Fort Belvoir available Oct. 1, 2, and 3. Strollers, pets, and wheelchairs are permitted.
Festival Food. German bratwurst, sauerkraut, and fresh hot candied roasted almonds will be offered. Visitors can eat, drink, and listen to live music, including appearances by the German band Wehrbereichsmusikkorps II based out of Munster, Germany.
WHERE & WHEN:
Oktoberfest runs from Thursday to Sunday, Sept. 30 - Oct. 3. Hours are Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, noon to midnight, and Sunday noon to 10 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Visit www.belvoirmwr.com. This event is open to the public.
Military Appreciation Day is Saturday, Oct. 2. Military and their family members, including reserve active duty, Department of Defense civilians, and military retirees, receive discounts on one-price armbands. One-price armbands are valid from noon until midnight and a valid military ID card must be presented for the discount. Armbands are a cost savings and allow for unlimited use of the rides.
Community Appreciation Day is Sunday, Oct. 3. Surrounding communities of Maryland and Virginia including the City of Alexandria, and Fairfax, Stafford, Prince William, and Spotsylvania counties receive discounts on festival rides. One-price armbands are valid noon to 9 p.m. Residents must show a valid ID card for the discount.
Raffle tickets are available for round-trip airline tickets to Germany. Drawing is on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 8 p.m.