October 5, 2010 > Oktoberfest at Swiss Park Oktoberfest at Swiss Park By Julie Grabowski Put on your Lederhosen and Dirndls and raise your stein, Oktoberfest is back! One of the most famous of German events, Oktoberfest is an annual celebration that lasts 16 to 18 days and is filled with food, dancing, and, yes, beer. Traditionally held in late September to the first weekend in October, Oktoberfest's official home is Munich, but if you can't celebrate on home turf, then Newark has the next best thing. On Saturday, October 9, Swiss Park hosts their own Oktoberfest with all the elements of the original. Sample varieties of German beer, dance to the music of Tony Raymann's Edelweiss Band, and dine on traditional German/Swiss fare. Dinner offers popular favorites including Wiener Schnitzel, Bratwurst, Knackwurst, Sauerkraut or Blaukraut (red cabbage), German fried potatoes, and apple sauce. Organizer and Aelpler Gruppe Club member Rosemary Ramsell welcomes all. "We have the best dance floor in California," she says of the original 1935 hardwood floor. "You can polka to your heart's content." Swiss Park was one of the first in the area to offer an Oktoberfest, due to strong community request, and the event has been going strong for over 20 years. About 200 people turned out last year to celebrate German tradition and heritage, whether in their own blood or in the spirit of brotherhood. "I'll be at the door to explain everything," says Ramsell of those new to the event. "Come and have a good time, listen to the um-pa-pa music, and sample the food." Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner served from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Music follows at 7 p.m. Dinner and dancing costs $22; dancing only is $10, and dinner only can be purchased for $12. Reservations are advised, especially for large parties. For more information or reservations call Swiss Park at (510) 793-6272 or Rosemary Ramsell at (510) 793-0983. Oktoberfest Saturday, October 9 Doors open at 5 p.m. Swiss Park 5911 Mowry Ave., Newark (510) 793-6272 Dinner and dance $22, dance only $10, dinner only $12