Last weekend we gathered with family and friends for our very first DIY Oktoberfest Celebration. After months of planning and preparing the big day finally arrived.
The idea hatched between the hubs and a couple of his buddies several months back. The interest continued to grow so we had a potluck with our neighbors in August to discuss the plan and logistics of how to make it happen. Several families, including the hubs and me, volunteered to help organize, gather equipment and make food. There were a couple other meetings as the date approached to confirm head counts and finalize the menu and timing. There were also party day weather concerns as it had been decided that this party would be held outdoors. It is not unusual for the forecast here to show rain at this time of year and that is exactly what was being forecasted. The week leading up to our event was showing all rain and cool temperatures the day of the party so an executive decision was made that we would hold the party rain or shine! Thankfully, the dreaded rain actually did not arrive until a couple days after the party and it turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day for Oktoberfest! The weather was perfect.
Our day started early with lots of cooking. The ribs had to be in the smoker by 6:30 am so prepping began even earlier in the wee hours of the morning.
Once the ribs were done they were swapped out for 6 whole chickens which were on the schedule next. While Mr. Wonderful was busy cooking the mains and setting up the party area I was preparing some German Preztel Bites.
They took a good part of the morning but so worth it!
Usually I make traditional German Pretzels but this time I made most of them into Bites instead so that there would be more to share.
Once there were about 150 Bites I decided to switch and make a few traditional pretzels with the dough I had left which ended up making six.
They all turned out great.
You can't go wrong with pretzels. They are always popular.
German Chocolate Cupcakes were on my list to make as well and were easy to fit in the schedule between the pretzels.
These are a favorite not only for Oktoberfest but anytime.
In between the cooking there was setting up to do as well. Tent, tables, garbage cans, food warmers, etc. all needed to be assembled at the meeting area.
The DIY Portable Fire Pit was also brought out and set up for later as well as a wheelbarrow full of firewood.
The hubs recently made a new Poker that fits on a bracket that he welded to the side. A great new addition to the handy portable fire pit.
Late in the afternoon, before the sun set, the hubs got the bonfire started which was a good thing. Once the sun went down it was very chilly so we circled our chairs around the Portable Fire Pit and roasted some Giant Marshmallows.
It turned out to be a fun and beautiful day for our 1st Oktoberfest Celebration. We had all sorts of traditional German food including smoked Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, Apfelkuchen {German apple cake} to name a few and even had a corn hole competition. The party was a success and I am guessing there is a good chance this could become an annual event.
auf Wiedersehen!
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