FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 28, 2015) -- More than 19,000 people of all ages visited Fort Benning's annual Oktoberfest Oct. 23-25 at Uchee Creek to experience a taste of German culture.

Guests feasted on German food, like schnitzel and knoedel, sampled different types of beer, listened to traditional German music and participated in games and activities throughout the weekend.

The three-day event kicked off with a keg-tapping ceremony Friday, in which German liaison officers Lt. Col. Thomas K. Harland, Sgt. Maj. Stephan Engel, Col. Andrew C. Hilmes, Fort Benning's garrison commander, and Maj. Gen. Scott Miller, Fort Benning's commanding general, offered greetings and remarks about the event.

a"This is my second Benning Oktoberfest, and I'm enjoying it this year as much as I did last year," said Hannah Mason, whose husband is an instructor for the Airborne School. "We were stationed in Germany for several years and it's fun to take a step back to that time."

A night of entertainment followed, featuring the Sonnenschein Express and German yodelers, with stein hoisting contests for men and women.

On Saturday, the festival continued with the Commander's Challenge and the annual Oktoberfest 10K Cross Country Run, a 5K run and a 5K Volksmarch. The overall male winner for the 10K was Aaron Totten-Lancaster, with the 75th Ranger Regiment. His time was 34:15. The overall female winner was Maia Paris, with the Maneuver Captains Career Course. Her time was 39:31.

Other activities included canine competitions, pony rides, the Staples Safari Zoo, a keg-tossing competition and traditional dancing.

Sunday concluded with performances by the SKIES Cheer Team as well as more music, food and activities.