Sauerkraut wasn’t the only thing falling from the heavens at Oktoberfest this year.
The rainy, and at times snowy, weather early Wednesday morning caused the Union Programming Council organizers to alter events a bit. The event celebrating German culture was forced inside from the Union Patio to the Union Ballroom.
Alison Tuft, the director of arts and special events for UPC, said they learned of the forecast Monday and knew they would have to make a switch. Leaders of UPC debated whether to push the event back a day, but the band was unable to switch days, causing organizers to move to plan B: holding the festival indoors.
“The purpose of the event was to provide a way for nontraditional U students to become involved, and to give all students a chance to take a break from class and enjoy the festivities,” Tuft said.
The U’s Oktoberfest is a smaller, more sober version of the annual festival Germans enjoy all over the world. Different types of German food, such as sauerkraut and bratwurst, were served to the beat of Salzburger Echo, a German band. A variety of games and vendors were also at the party.
Several students at the U were given the chance to participate even more in the fest when a band member from Salzburger Echo pulled them up on stage to help out with the music and entertainment, particularly with the hand bells.
“Overall, I thought it turned out great and that it being inside couldn’t have been better because it allowed students to stay closer to the band,” said Rob Crosbie, executive director of UPC.