Cape native, Mariner Grad, selected 2010 Ms. Oktoberfest

Karli Brija was selected 2010 Ms. Oktoberfest on Saturday night, signaling the unofficial start to the German American Social Club’s wildly popular Oktoberfest celebration.
Chosen from seven candidates, Brija won the coveted honor, and now takes her place among past winners as the face of event.
Brija, a Cape Coral native and Mariner grad, said she’s been going to Oktoberfest since she was a child.
Now she’s excited to represent the club, and experience the celebration in a whole new way.
“I used to come here as a kid and I always had a blast,” Brija said. “What I love about Oktoberfest, is no matter what your heritage might be, your creed, your color, your ethnicity, they welcome you here with open arms. They put a beer in your hand and pull you on the floor to do the chicken dance!”
Brija recently graduated from the Master Nursing program at the University of Central Florida.
As the face of Oktoberfest, she’ll handle numerous media requests, as her face and voice will be everywhere from television, to radio, to print, in the days leading up to the celebration.
A former public information officer for her ROTC program, Brija said she was ready and able to handle the media attention.
“It’s not a responsibility, its an honor,” she said of her role in Oktoberfest. “Its going to be fun and interesting.”
2009 Ms. Oktoberfest, Barbara Gennity said that if she could offer Brija any advice it would be to have a great time and be prepared.
Representing the GASC is an honor, Gennity said, and being selected Ms. Oktoberfest is an honor.
“It’s a little demanding and can be a lot to handle, but they (GASC) make it real easy,” Gannity said of the media responsibilities.
When Brija’s name was called in Von Stueben Hall, her parents Greg and Kristi Krempscki went wild cheering for their daughter. It was also Greg’s birthday.
“We’re very proud,” Kristi said, watching her daughter dance with club president Gerhardt Veith. “She’s going to represent the German American Social Club better than anyone else. She’s ready!”
Oktoberfest at the German American Social Club runs October 22 , 23, and 24 – 29, 30, 31. The GASC is located at 2101 Southwest Pine Island Rd.
For more information call 283-1400.