FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 29, 2014) -- More than 19,000 people of all ages visited Fort Benning's annual Oktoberfest Oct. 24-26 at Uchee Creek. Guests feasted on German food and beverages, listened to music and participated in games and activities throughout the weekend.
The three-day fair kicked off with a keg-tapping ceremony Friday, in which local politicians, German liaison officers, Col. Michail Huerter, Fort Benning's garrison commander, and Maj. Gen. Scott Miller, Fort Benning's commanding general, offered greetings and remarks about the event. A night of entertainment followed, featuring Sonnenschein Express and German yodelers, stein hoisting contests and more.
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. Other activities included canine competitions, pony rides, the Staples Safari Zoo, a keg tossing competition and dancing.
Sunday concluded with performances by the SKIES Cheer Team as well as more music, food and fun.
Bridgett Siter, marketing specialist for Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, said Oktoberfest is a hit among the Fort Benning's diverse community and continues to grow each year.
"We had more guests this year, which was pleasantly surprising because there were a number of other events going on in Columbus and the surrounding area," Siter said. "This has always been one of our most popular events with our guests and within the MWR community. It's a lot of work, but we love hosting it and you can see that in the many ways we keep expanding and adding to it."
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