FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- As millions flock to Munich, Germany, for the annual Oktoberfest, people on Fort Rucker can enjoy their own little taste of Deutschland at the home of Army Aviation.
The installation will hold its 14th annual Oktoberfest celebration Sept. 30 at the festival fields from 4:30-9:30 p.m. to celebrate German culture with food, games, music and fun for all ages, according to Aida Stallings, Fort Rucker special events coordinator.
"People can come out and enjoy German food, live music, a variety of vendors, children's games, rides and bounce houses," she said. "There will also be a best-dressed contest at 7 p.m., as well as a kid's craft tent where children can enjoy a bit of butterbeer."
People can also take part in the Volksmarch, which will begin at 4:30 p.m., where patrons can either run or walk. People can register for the Volksmarch at either fitness facility or at the event.
The ceremonial keg tapping will be at 5 p.m. and, as in years past, the Sonnenschein Express will return to Fort Rucker to entertain guests with traditional German folk music.
Admission is free and open to the public, but Stallings reminds visitors to the installation that they must have a visitors pass to enter the installation unescorted. People can obtain a visitors pass from one of the two visitor control centers located at the Daleville and Ozark gates.
The Daleville VCC is open Mondays-Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Ozark VCC is open Mondays-Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Janice Erdlitz, Directorate of Family, and Morale, Welfare and Recreation marketing manager, said it's important for the installation to celebrate cultural diversities.
"We always try to offer several fun, energizing events for our Soldiers, families, retirees and civilians in the Wiregrass," she said. "We know we have a diverse community and we always want to offer something everyone can enjoy.
"So many of our Soldiers and families have been stationed in Germany, and they miss the culture and experiences," she continued. "Our annual Oktoberfest is just one way we try bring back some of the fun and exciting aspects of German culture to our Soldiers and families."
People are also reminded not to bring coolers, backpacks, pets, glass containers, weapons, bicycles, scooters, roller blades or skateboards to the event.
For more information, call 255-9810.
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