With dozens donning their finest lederhosen (leather shorts with suspenders), wadlstrümpfes (knitted socks) and tirolerhütes (wool alpine hats), and dozens more just coming to be a part of the bierleichen — a German word for drunken Oktoberfest participants meaning “beer corpses” — Longmire Springs Brewing in Packwood was filled with those looking to kick off this year’s Oktoberfest celebration.
Oktoberfest officially runs from Sept. 20 to Oct. 5 this year, and Packwood was one of many communities worldwide that held their own celebrations simultaneously on Saturday with the 190th Oktoberfest starting in Munich, Germany.
In East Lewis County, bierleichen enjoyed a bit of Bavarian culture with pretzels and sausages paired with German-style lagers, along with traditional Oktoberfest games, including steinholding and hammerschlagen, along with live Oompah music.
For those who missed this past weekend’s festivities in Packwood, the South Lewis County Chamber of Commerce and Sasquatch Family Farms are hosting an Oktoberfest celebration this Saturday, Sept. 27, at Sasquatch Family Farms — located at 155 Buckley Road in Toledo near the South Lewis County Airport.
“It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a night out at the farm and connect with other local small businesses,” Sasquatch Family Farms said in a Facebook post. “Come watch the sunset, airplanes taking off and landing, and enjoy a great night with our community.”
Gates for the event open at 5 p.m. according to the post, and the event will feature German-themed food, music and games with attendees invited to bring their favorite fall drinks.
For more information, message Sasquatch Family Farms on its Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/3z8crycd or visit the farm’s website at https://www.sasquatchfamilyfarms.com/.
