T.On Sunday in Frederik, Ongs served warm sausages with sauerkraut, German band tunes filled the air, and many Oktoberfest-goers had beer lifted to their lips.
The Schifferstadt Architecture Museum’s Oktoberfest celebrations are back for the first time since 2019.
“This is our biggest fundraiser,” said Mary Mannix, vice president of the Frederick County Landmark Foundation, which owns the museum.
A non-profit organization, the foundation is dedicated to historic preservation.
“It’s not just about beer and brats,” said Mannix, but they’re popular, she said.
Education was at the forefront of the day. The house was open to free tours, and a living historian in old clothes provided a demonstration.
Hundreds of years ago, Germanic people were attracted by the good trade for farming in Frederick County, Mannix said. She used the term “Germans” to refer to people in present-day Germany and surrounding areas.
“The Germanic people of Frederick County changed the nature of agriculture in Maryland,” she said.
On Sunday afternoon, volunteers Douglas Crater and Tim Reinhardt demonstrated how people and their descendants prepared food over the campfire.
Bean soup cooked in a hanging pan over a dutch oven covered in preheated coals to cook pies. Despite the heat, a small crowd gathered around the living history set-up.
Claytor, a longtime Oktoberfest volunteer, said:
A student at Hood College, Reinhardt came to Oktoberfest to get the life history experience he needed for his class. He learned a lot from Crater, including how to brew tea over an open fire, the best wood to start a campfire, and how to be hygienic when cooking outdoors.
“I’m only used to baking,” said Reinhardt, leaning back on his shovel.
Reinhardt and Crater wore Weskits, similar to jackets and vests, with detachable sleeves and silver buttons down the middle.
A short walk from the campfire, volunteers demonstrated how to make clothes from flax. Field-grown flax was combed with a device called a hatchel to separate the fibers. This fiber is spun into yarn that is used to make linen clothing.
According to Beatty-Cramer House director Joe Lubozynski, it’s a long process with many steps. This home is one of the Landmark Foundation’s other historic properties.
Many Oktoberfest attendees wore dirndl, traditional German dress and lederhosen. Frederick residents Allen and Anita Berkley played the part. They had just returned from a trip to Germany and Austria.
“We love history,” said Anita, who has German heritage.
The couple sat at a picnic table and feasted on bratwurst. Allen took a bite.
“It’s great,” he said.
Frederick resident Lance Dixon tasted a dark amber imported German beer. He and his wife Kimberly attended the event from their home with their goldendoodle Otis. For the last few years they have missed attending Oktoberfest.
“It’s a fun tradition,” said Lance, who grew up in Frederick.
Participants who had not yet dressed up had the opportunity to purchase authentic German clothing at the event.
Stefanie Smith, owner of Dirndl Lederhosen Haus, imports clothes from Germany and Austria. She grew up spending half her time in America and the other half in Germany.
“It’s fun to wear clothes, so I’m glad people can bring them here to enjoy the culture,” she said.
Jenny Russell, president of the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation, was pleased to see many vendors and guests returning to Oktoberfest. She wondered how the event would play out after a three-year hiatus. She described Schifferstadt’s Oktoberfest as a family-friendly event.
“I’m thrilled to have the participation and support,” said Russell.
Crowds gathered to listen to German band Heimat Echo.
Holtz played the helicon, an early form of the tuba. His version came with an attachment to hold a mug of beer.
“Tuba players get very busy during the Oktoberfest season,” said Holtz.
Although he is not German, Holz said he fell in love with German music. He has been playing the helicon for 25 years and has been playing the tuba for even longer.
Holz said he appears at many Oktoberfests, but Schifferstadt is special. Children danced on wooden boards.
“The hay bales in the tent set the whole mood,” said Holtz.
If he had to attend the Oktoberfest as a regular guest, it would probably be in Schifferstadt.
“The vibe is right,” said Holtz.
Follow Mary Grace Keller on Twitter: @MaryGraceKeller
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