Oktoberfest is coming to the The Phoenix Club Anaheim weekends starting September 13th! They’re the longest running Oktoberfest in SoCal (51 years!) and known as the most authentic and family-friendly Oktoberfest in SoCal.
Traditional Opening Parade and Keg tapping is on Sunday, Sept 15th.
- Live Oohm Pah bands from Germany,
- Folk dance groups –
- Die Gemutlichen Schuhplattler,
- The Youth Dance Group (children ages 3-18 performing traditional folk dances),
- “Skip the Balloon Man” and “Twist and Shout” variety acts,
- Free Polka Lessons for all ages every Saturday at 3:00 pm,
- Daily activities specifically for children include a playground with a bounce house. Sunday is officially Family Day.
- Shooting Gallery (will be open for prize shooting on Saturdays and Sundays beginning Sept 21- Oct 27), and
- German vendors selling folk ware, souvenirs, gingerbread hearts, and more.
- Playground with Bounce House,
- Choo-Choo rides or fire engine hay rides and face painting (Noon to 4:00 pm), and
- Pony rides provided at the neighboring Rancho Del Rio Stables for $5.00 (October Sundays only).
“We have come to be known as the oldest and most authentic, family-friendly Oktoberfest in Southern CA.”
In 1960, fifteen people got together to form an organization that would attempt to restore relations post WWII in the Anaheim community and work to preserve their German language and customs. That small group called themselves “The Phoenix Club,” after the mythological bird that rose up from the ashes to live again. Many native Germans soon flocked to the club, trying to preserve their ethnic heritage. The club became a popular haven for people of German descent for the next 30 years, with membership steadily growing to a high of 3,000 families.
In 1990, the club relocated from its original site to make way for the construction of Anaheim Arena. Today, it continues to thrive on a site just north of the original building. It still retains its original goal of preserving the German heritage, and to pass along German traditions to the next generations. Activities are held year-round, but the most popular is “Oktoberfest.” Oohm-pah bands direct from Germany play traditional polkas. Folk dancers “plattl”(stomp and slap) to accordion music in the “Festhalle”. Revelers still dine on bratwurst, pretzels, Bavarian pastries and, of course, German beer, in Biergarten.
Though many cities have lost touch with their origins, The Phoenix Club continues to keep Anaheim’s German heritage alive and bring new families in touch with German culture. German culture is very family-centered. It is not unusual to find multiple generations living together under one roof, or for that matter, attending social functions together.
Disclosure: We will receive media tickets to this event. All opinions are our own. All images courtesy of Phoenix Club and used with permission.
$20 worth of food coupons
Giveaway ends September 13, 2013 at 11:59 PM EST. Open to US Residents 18 and older only. Prizes cannot be shipped to PO Boxes. Winner will be selected at random and be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Not liable for unclaimed prizes or fulfillment. Blog has represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. No purchase necessary to enter or win; however you must enter for a chance to win. Purchase does not increase chance of winning. Chances of winning depend on number of entries. My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation. Facebook, Twitter or any other social media platform are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to this blog. I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.