Oktoberfest at Cape Harbour to open tonight
Get out the lederhosen and steins as it is that time of year to celebrate – German-style.
Fathoms Restaurant and Bar, formerly The Joint, will host the annual Oktoberfest at Cape Harbour today through Sunday. Sponsored by Fort Myers Harley-Davidson, the festival will kick off at 5 p.m. with the local German band Haffenkable. Afterward, Soapy Tuna will take the stage from 7-10 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public.
“We’ve been doing Oktoberfest at Cape Harbour for years (as The Joint),” Bob Mulroy, general manager of the new Fathoms Restaurant and Bar, said. “I believe it’s our fourth year.”
He estimated that about 1,500 people attended last year over the weekend.
“We like to think of this Oktoberfest event as just a way to kick off the fall season and the busy season,” Mulroy said. “It was a good turnout.”
Today, Haffenkable will treat the crowd to traditional German music until 7 p.m.
“That’s the only chance you get to hear the real German music,” he said.
The new owners of Fathoms, Tim and Meredith Hoffman, will hold the official tapping of the keg at about 6 p.m. The official crowing of Miss Oktoberfest 2014 will also take place at that time.
“We always crown somebody Miss Oktoberfest every year,” Mulroy said.
Sherry Sierra, with the Miloff Aubuchon Realty Group, was selected for this year.
“She embodies good times, good beers and a festive attitude,” he said.
At 8:15 p.m., Budweiser will present the “Howl at the Moon” Yodeling Competition.
This year, organizers have added a gigantic smoker to serve up ribs, turkey legs and prime ribs to attendees. There will also be a new Kid Zone, with a bounce house and carnival-style foods.
“Last year, I didn’t have any area for the kids,” Mulroy said.
On Saturday, the live music will start at 2 p.m. with artist David Barber. He will be followed by the group Stolen Fruit, which will perform from 6-10 p.m.
“Saturday we’ve got all the shops at Cape Harbour that will be open by noon,” he said.
The Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting Contest will be held from 8-10 p.m.
“That’s something Samuel Adams has been doing for several years,” Mulroy said.
There is no cost to register for the contest and people can do so the day of the event.
“It’s a regional competition to win a trip,” he said.
The top winners with the best times are invited to Boston to compete in the finals. The best man and woman will then win a trip for two to the 2015 Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, Germany.
Contestants are given a stein, a traditional German beer mug, filled with liquid.
“You need to extend your arm straight out, with no bend in your elbow, and you just have to hold the beer mug out there for as long as you can,” Mulroy said.
Last year, approximately 50 people took part in the contest – men and women.
“On Sunday, we just kind of wind down,” he said.
The Kid Zone will be open, with live music provided by Chris Workman from 4-7 p.m.
“The weather’s going to be gorgeous this weekend,” Mulroy said.
He encouraged people to come out and bring the family.
“It’s something for everyone to do,” Mulroy said.
For additional information on the annual Oktoberfest, contact Fathoms Restaurant and Bar at 239-542-0123 or visit the website online at: www.fathomsrestaurant.com.
Fathoms Restaurant and Bar is at 5785 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral.