Fort Irwin Celebrates Oktoberfest 2024

FORT IRWIN, CA – Oktoberfest returned to Jack Rabbit Park last Saturday, the 28th of September, for a one-day celebration of traditional Oktoberfest events. Why in September and not October? The official Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany prefers to take advantage of the pleasant weather. It has celebrated the festival over the last two weekends in September, through the first weekend in October, for many years now.

Just like the Mayor of Munich begins the festival with the traditional “tapping of the keg;” Fort Irwin’s Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Brandon Anderson, accompanied by senior advisors Command. Sgt. Maj. Carvet C. Tate and Garrison Commander Col. Lane A. Bomar, shared the honor in tapping the first local keg. In addition to traditional activities, live entertainment, food and beverages rounded out the event.

"The United States Army has a long history of comradery with our German allies, our very own 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment was stationed along the Fulda Gap during the Cold War,” said Bomar. "We honor our history and our German allies with our display of Esprit De Corps, the last thing we need is a field of ‘Bierleichen,’ please make a plan to get home safely.”

“Bierleichen” is an Oktoberfest term that translates to “beer corpses.” Jack Rabbit Park is located near the center of Fort Irwin’s cantonment, which makes it easier to walk to and from surrounding housing areas.

Fort Irwin’s Directorate of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) hosted the event on behalf of the command; Army MWR programs support the quality of life for all members of its community.

"There's a misnomer about Okoberfest, it really isn't just about drinking, it's an opportunity to fellowship, compete in fun games, and bond with people who we have to trust our lives with," said Anderson. "Tomorrow isn't promised and any of us can be deployed in a moments notice, so it is important to bring the Family out, listen to the band, have a beer, and dance a jig with 'Baby Shark' ... For today we celebrate!"