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Prost! Fort Novosel Oktoberfest rings in fall with German heritage and family-friendly fun

By Brittany Trumbull, Fort Novosel PAOOctober 3, 2023

Deputy Garrison Commander John Watson, Command Sgt. Maj. Doss, and German Liaison Officer Lt. Col. Michael Hegar Kick off the evening after the ceremonial tapping of the keg.
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Deputy Garrison Commander John Watson, Command Sgt. Maj. Doss, and German Liaison Officer Lt. Col. Michael Hegar Kick off the evening after the ceremonial tapping of the keg. (Photo Credit: Vorakarn Saipornchai ) VIEW ORIGINAL
Oktoberfest decorations fill up The Landing, both inside and out.
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Oktoberfest decorations fill up The Landing, both inside and out. (Photo Credit: Brittany Trumbull) VIEW ORIGINAL
Traditional stein-holding competition excited the crowd of all ages.
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Traditional stein-holding competition excited the crowd of all ages. (Photo Credit: Brittany Trumbull) VIEW ORIGINAL
Sonnenschein Express, from Orlando Florida, takes the stage and lights up the festivities with authentic German live music.
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sonnenschein Express, from Orlando Florida, takes the stage and lights up the festivities with authentic German live music. (Photo Credit: Brittany Trumbull) VIEW ORIGINAL
Kids area was a hit complete with bounce houses, root biergarten, and pumpkin patch.
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Kids area was a hit complete with bounce houses, root biergarten, and pumpkin patch. (Photo Credit: Brittany Trumbull) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT NOVOSEL, AL- Standing inside The Landing on Friday, September 29, one would think they were transported to a village in Deutschland, or perhaps back to their last duty station in Bavaria. Many party goers donned dirndls and lederhosen, while blue and white checkered flags decorated The Landing. The entire night was perfectly crafted to bring the German Oktoberfest festivities to Soldiers and their Families on Fort Novosel.

Mr. Ron Cook, MWR Business Operations Division Chief, said, “Much like the other large events, it is entirely here for our community. But this is a great one where we get to celebrate German heritage and food, creating one huge celebration right here in The Landing, we’ve been able to bring a lot of family-oriented activities as well to make it an event for everyone.”

When asked the favorite part of the event process, Cook did not hesitate, “When we hit the point of execution, watching these families come out and just enjoy themselves. It’s a bit loaded for us because it is such a taxing process to make sure that we get everything right to serve our community here best, but when you get everyone from very small children through adults to come out and enjoy it – that’s why we are here. That is what MWR is all about.”

Over 5,000 people attended Oktoberfest throughout the evening, including both military families and local community members.

To stay updated on all the fun things happening on post through MWR, check out their Facebook page at FortNovoselMWR or their website novosel.armymwr.com.

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