Poughkeepsie’s Annual Oktoberfest Takes German “Brats’’ & Beer to a New Level
Pretzels, bratwurst, pastry and, of course, authentic beer drew crowds to this year’s Oktoberfest in Poughkeepsie, hosted by the Germanic Almrausch Club on the Germania Festival Fairgrounds.
The fair, which has been going on since 1850, was held in September.
“I like this fair for the authenticity. A lot of true Germans come to Oktoberfest. Some people from the city go to Bear Mountain,” said Mike, a second-year volunteer at Oktoberfest. “But, unlike Bear Mountain, this Oktoberfest has home-cooked food and authentic beer.” Many fair-goers declined fair programs, saying they were only here for the food.
The majority of fair-goers were sipping out of the signature Oktoberfest dimpled mug, ranging from $15 to $25, or their own authentic beer steins. The crowd sipped the fair’s array of “Munich’s Finest Biers,” served from a large truck. With such an appropriate name, it was no surprise that the Spaten Oktoberfest beer was a crowd favorite.
One of the most popular food items were the Bavarian pretzels. The centers are perfectly doughy and soft while the outsides are cooked to a perfect crisp and topped with salt. Much to the dismay of fair goers, these pretzels sold out by the second day of the fair.
Another popular item was, of course, the bratwurst. This signature German meat came in plenty of varieties from smoked to classic. It was offered as a side dish or on a roll, topped with Germanic curry or sauerkraut.
“The smoked bratwurst is a more intense flavor,” said one kitchen volunteer as she hurriedly plated bratwurst after bratwurst. “And the curry is aromatic. It’s sweet but spicy.”
And, of course, fair-goers left room for dessert. The dessert was fresh and advertised as being baked on the premises. The Bienenstich, a lemon-infused cake filled with custard and topped with almond and honey, was particularly popular alongside the Apfel Strudel, a European apple strudel.
Throughout the duration of Oktoberfest, the line for food remains long, at some points looping around the outskirts of the fair. The line was so long that some fair-goers asked others to hold their place while they danced to the live band just a few feet away.
The festival was certainly a lively one filled with dancing, vendors and live music, though the food and beer truly stole the show. Next time you’re seeking authentic German foods and beers in Poughkeepsie, head to this annual Oktoberfest
