(Helen) – With a history dating back to 1969, the Bavarian-themed town of Helen will kick off its 50th anniversary Oktoberfest this weekend. The annual festival is Helen’s biggest celebration and the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States. This year, with Germany canceling its Oktoberfest celebrations due to the coronavirus, Helen can lay claim to being the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the world.
It all kicks off with a parade beginning at noon on Saturday, September 12, in downtown Helen. Organizers say the mile-long parade route should give visitors plenty of room to socially-distance. The parade will start at the Helen Welcome Center on Edelweiss Strasse, turn left onto Chattahoochee Street, then right onto North Main.
While the Helen Chamber of Commerce has deemed it best to postpone their official 50th Oktoberfest festivities at the Festhalle until 2021, the city’s restaurants, shops, hotels, and amusements will still be open, offering their own Oktoberfest fun through October.
“Helen is doing everything possible to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus and wants visitors to know our town will be open for Oktoberfest celebrations in the bars and restaurants, even though the Festhalle (Helen’s Oktoberfest music venue) will not be able to open due to the current State of Georgia live performance venue guidelines,” says Jerry Brown, Executive Director of the Alpine Helen-White County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The parade is the perfect way to celebrate while remaining socially distant.
Visitors are invited to experience the spirit of Oktoberfest as it moves through the city’s cobblestone streets and fresh mountain air—savor refreshing brews, authentic German eats, and live music. During September and October, there will be pop-up celebrations throughout the town.
Volksmarch and hiking trails
Faschingsverein Helen will host a 5K Volksmarch through Helen on Saturday, October 24, during which participants will get their cards stamped at designated locations to qualify for a free pin.
Registration will be from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. with the event ending at 2 p.m. Cards must be returned by 2 p.m. to be eligible for the free pin. Only the first 100 registered participants will get a pin.
For a schedule of other upcoming Oktoberfest events, click here.
While in Helen…
While visiting Alpine Helen, learn about the history of White County and the Chattahoochee River and embrace the city’s history with a two-mile out-and-back guided hike along the brand new Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail along with other trail adventures.
Visit www.HelenChamber.com and www.HelenGa.org for more information on ways to celebrate Oktoberfest this year. And be sure to save the date for the Festhalle’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2021.
