Len (left) and Larry Holmes play their alphorns during the House of Prayer Lutheran Church’s annual Octoberfest.
(Photos By L.E. Crowley)
With beer and cheer, a fitting Octoberfest
Len (left) and Larry Holmes play their alphorns during the House of Prayer Lutheran Church’s annual Octoberfest.
(Photos By L.E. Crowley)
HINGHAM - “Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemüetlichkeit,’’ shouted Justin Crawford, who, after the toast, took a big swig of beer from his German-style stein.
Crawford, 34, a Rockland native now living in Woburn, joined the crowd hoisting mugs and glasses and shouting the popular German toast, “a cheer, a cheer for the sociability,’’ during the 24th annual Octoberfest celebration last weekend at the House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Hingham.
“I’ve been coming since I was 12. I wouldn’t miss it,’’ Crawford said.
Along with beer, dancing, and sing-a-longs, visitors ate knockwurst and bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German-style potatoes served up by Norwell’s Smoke House, which donated all the food for the church’s major fund-raising event.
“It’s our way to do outreach and people love it,’’ said Brandy Hugo, chairman of the Octoberfest committee.
The Octoberfest has grown from a simple lawn party to a major weekend event that includes a craft fair and cash bar, and draws thousands of visitors.
Weymouth residents Maggie Gosselin and Lillian Coe sat at one of the long tables under a tent, eating knockwurst and watching people dancing to polkas played by King Ludwig’s Bavarian Band. They said they have made the Octoberfest an annual fall pilgrimage, a not-to-be missed good time filled with music and food.
“It’s a very joyous place. Everyone is up,’’ Gosselin said.
© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.
