Ten years ago, when Joe Faragher-Kneipp was playing squash professionally in Amsterdam, he wanted to go to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Although he never got the opportunity, he did attend similar, if smaller, parties elsewhere.
Saturday will mark the fourth consecutive year that the TSC manager has organised the beer-drinking and bratwurst-eating celebration at the club.
“It has always been a party that people have really enjoyed,” Mr. Faragher-Kneipp said. “Because it is really good beer, really good meat and people dressing up, it is an event people get into. So I thought I would try it here.”
In recent years, the TSC Oktoberfest has been successful, according to the organiser. Two years ago, the celebration attracted some 200 people — a record — and Mr. Faragher-Kneipp is expecting a similar turnout this year.
According to the organiser, other venues in the Virgin Islands have celebrated the German festival, but not to the scale or success of the TSC.
At least five authentic German beers will be served along with one California beer. The beer types range from dark to Hefeweizen to strawberry.
“We have the real stuff,” Mr. Faragher-Kneipp said. “I have tasted all but one of them and they are awesome.”
In the past, it has been a challenge to provide the authentic beer for the Oktoberfest celebration. However, this year things were made easier when Mr. Faragher-Kneipp found most of what he needed at Proudly African.
“I want to make it as authentic as we can,” the organiser said. “Having German beer is the first step.”
Most of the “barmaids” on Saturday will be playing the part by wearing traditional costumes that are popular at Oktoberfest celebrations, he explained.
Partygoers are also encouraged to dress in traditional clothing like lederhosen and dirndls.
The food will also be traditional, with potato salad, hamburgers and “proper hotdogs” with sauerkraut, cheese and curry sauce, he said.
Oktoberfest has been held in Munich, Germany since 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Horse races marked the close of the celebrations until 1960. Over the years an agricultural exhibition and a carnival-like setting were adopted.
In 2007, more than seven million litres of beer were consumed during the 16-day festival in Munich.
Oktoberfest starts at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Tortola Sports Club, and Deejay L will perform late into the night. The $25 cover charge includes a commemorative stein with beer and a plate of food.
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