Munich Madness Returns to Highlands

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By Mary Ann Bourbeau

HIGHLANDS – The beer garden will be bigger and better at the 16th Annual Highlands Oktoberfest, which will be held in Veterans Park from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1.
In the spirit of authenticity, there will be a larger variety of light and dark Oktoberfest beers this year, including Hacker Pschorr Weiss, Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest, Hofbrau Oktoberfest, Paulaner Hefe Weizen, Warsteiner Oktoberfest, Brooklyn Pumpkin Ale and Sam Adams Oktoberfest. Miller Lite, Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider, Riesling wine and sangria will also be served.

he participant who holds the beer stein for the longest period of time wins the stein-holding contest.
he participant who holds the beer stein for the longest period of time wins the stein-holding contest.

But beer and German wine are far from the only authentic offerings at the event, which is modeled after the traditional Oktoberfest that takes place in Munich, Germany each year. Executive Chef Butch Greenwaldt, who worked at the former Hofbrauhaus in Atlantic Highlands, has created a menu that includes bratwurst, knockwurst, kraut, potato pancakes, goulash, sauerbraten and Bavarian noodles. Of course, there will be less traditional German food on the menu for those with simpler tastes.
“Oktoberfest is one of our most successful events,” said Carla Cefalo, president of the Highlands Business Partnership. “There are many people with European accents at the event. It brings in people from all over.”
Cefalo was instrumental in founding the HBP, which is the nonprofit management company for the Highlands Business Improvement District. Its goal is to promote the small waterfront borough and all it has to offer.

Like last year, oompah and polka music will entertain the crowds at the Oct. 1 Oktoberfest at Veterans Park.
Like last year, oompah and polka music will entertain the crowds at the Oct. 1 Oktoberfest at Veterans Park.

“I’m very passionate about tourism, and I know how great it is for the local economy,” said Cefalo, who works by day in economic development. “I believe one of the best ways to promote tourism is to bring thousands of people to the downtown, and we have been successful at that. We have an action packed calendar of events that draws 100,000 people each year.”
The accordion will be center stage as the Ed Hendela Band revs up the crowd with a variety of oompah and polka music. The Bayern Verien German Dancers, dressed in traditional dirndl and lederhosen, will help get people on their feet. Those who come dressed in authentic German garb may enter the costume contest, where prizes are given in Bid Bucks, which is a gift certificate that can be used in Highlands businesses.
“We’re very adamant about shopping local,” said Cefalo. “We want people to buy local instead of giving them cash to go somewhere else.”
There will also be a stein holding contest, in which participants vie to hold heavy glass beer steins for the longest period of time, with arms fully extended.
“The last man and woman standing wins,” Cefalo said. “The crowd really gathers around to cheer them on. It’s a lot of fun.”
Veterans Park will be festively adorned with fall decorations and there will be something for everyone there, including the kids. The event includes bounce houses, face painting and a wide variety of retail, specialty and craft vendors.
“Families are constantly looking for things to do with the kids on the weekend,” Cefalo said. “We pride ourselves on having events where there is always something for the kids.”
Veterans Park is located on Bay and Shrewsbury avenues. Admission and parking is free. In case of rain, Oktoberfest will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 2. For more information, visit www.highlandsnj.com.
Arts and entertainment writer Mary Ann Bourbeau can be reached at mbourbeau@tworivertimes.com or on Twitter @MaryAnnBourbeau.