By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
Del Rioans joined to celebrate the fall season at the Whitehead Memorial Museum during its 28th annual Oktoberfest this weekend.
The museum held its annual autumn festival Saturday as a fundraiser to keep the establishment running and preserving the city’s history.
People from around the city showed up for this year’s event, and although you could purchase a pass at the front desk, tickets were sold out a day before the event. Michael Diaz, executive director of the Whitehead, said it was the first time they were able to sell all their tickets a day early. He said people always look forward to the German food and live music.
“It’s been a good turnout with people coming in and supporting the museum, so it is good to see this (festival) turn out well,” Diaz said.
Oktoberfest and Cajun Fest in March are the two fundraising events the museum holds every year. Gloria Culpepper, board member, said the Whitehead Memorial Museum does a good job of hosting events and filing up capacity with guests. Free food and desserts made by the museum was offered to attendees. She said the hummingbird cake is one of their traditional dishes passed on over the years.
Oktoberfest is filled with other traditions, including The Seven Dutchmen Orchestra group from New Braunfels performing polka music. The group has been a part of the museum’s Oktoberfest for more than 20 years. Nancy Guenther, trumpet player, said the group’s most played songs include “In Heaven There is No Beer” and “The Chicken Dance.”
Diaz said people enjoy Oktoberfest so they can be outdoors and spend time with their friends and families. Several companies in Del Rio including Buffalo Wings & Rings, Skillet’s Restaurant and Amistad Bank sponsored the festival. Tony Hernandez, president of Amistad Bank, said the bank is a proud sponsor of the festival. He said it is great to see citizens from downtown to people located at Laughlin Air Force Base come together and celebrate this weekend.
Oktoberfest lasted about four hours with the Seven Dutchmen Orchestra closing the night out with their music. The Whitehead Memorial Museum held a raffle for items donated by board members and local business to be auctioned off. Diaz said the raffle is another opportunity for the museum to raise funds and help create educational programs, free community programs and preservation projects.
