It’s now official. Festivities are in full swing for the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States.
It was perfect weather for the celebration Saturday as Helen greeted guests from all over the country at the town’s Oktoberfest parade. A few thousand locals and tourists lined the streets as floats and vehicles decorated in fall colors and German themes streamed through town.
As of Saturday morning, only 16 parade participants had pre-registered. However, by parade time, numerous local businesses had signed up to participate in the event with vehicles and floats.
The Helen Chamber of Commerce hosted the event.
Parade participants lined up on Edelweiss Strasse in front of the Festhalle and began their march towards Main Street. Participants passed out candy, bead necklaces, and t-shirts to the crowd as they passed by.
The White County High School Warrior Marching Band and Helen Police Department wrapped up the parade.
Linda Viollette, who lives in Myrtle Beach but is from East Hartford, Connecticut, was among those who attended Saturday.
Violette is a veteran who was stationed in Germany for several years. Her son was stationed in Germany for six years, and she often visited him.
“I heard a lot about Helen, about its German vibe, and I have been wanting to come for years,” she told Now Habersham.
On this, her first visit, she said the parade was “Absolutely wonderful!”
Willie Rosado and his wife Amanda drove from Miramar, Florida, to attend Helen’s Oktoberfest.
“I’ve been here once before, and I wanted to bring her (Amanda),” Willie said.
A gentleman from Destin, Florida, told Now Habersham he came with a group that had been to Oktoberfest before, and they said it was amazing. He had to see it for himself.
About 100 festivalgoers packed into the crowded Fussen Biergarten at the Festhalle for the ceremonial tapping of the first keg. The tradition marks the official start of the two-month-long beer, brats, and bands celebration.
After the keg was tapped, hosts and hostesses filled pitchers with beer and passed them around so patrons could pour a cup from the first keg.
Alpine Helen’s Oktoberfest began on September 7 and will run through October 29. For more information about Oktoberfest, visit the Helen Chamber of Commerce website.
