CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Once again, the Oktoberfest AlpenBand California made its way to Citrus Heights to entertain members and neighbors of Messiah Lutheran Church.

New this year, the sounds of Oktoberfest spread through the surrounding neighborhood, with two hours of rousing polka music along with comedy. This was another official mini-Oktoberfest with everything but the beer.

On Oct. 19, AlpenBand California concluded their 2024 Oktoberfest tour following performances at venues in Chico, Fairfield, Rocklin and Shingle Springs, plus private parties.

This year, band and church member Paul Casem wanted to bring a new aspect to the event, bringing the entertainment outside to reach out to Messiah’s neighbors off of Antelope at Rusch Park for an afternoon of family fun. Inside, a lunch of traditional barbequed brats, sauerkraut, salads and other German dishes was served, followed by fancy desserts and red Jello. With the polka and other music right outside the open doors, both those dining indoors and those enjoying the outdoor activities could do some toe tapping.

In between music sets, there were games for the kids and teenagers. While kids won prizes at the game booth, teenagers were able to play video games. Children of all ages tried their hand at cornhole. Pumpkin decorating was popular with families, while a traditional Oktoberfest competition, beer stein holding (officially “masskrugstemmen”) competitions between kids, ladies and men resulted in prizes for the competitors who could hold their beer stein – actually for this competition, a plastic glass filled with half the amount of liquid, perfectly still without moving the longest. The men’s winner, Jeff Reyes, a neighbor, won the grueling event.

In between sets, performance characters Genghis Khan, Yellow Chicken and Pizza Man performed to the delight of those of all ages.

During the show, one song, “Lowenbraulied” was performed with a nine-foot alphorn or long horn. The alphorn was a signal horn used by herdsmen and villagers to signal other horns up and down the valley in the Alps.

If there was one unhappy moment during the fun, it was hearing the “No Beer Medley” consisting of “No Beer in Heaven,” “Without Beer” and “There’s No Beer in Hawaii.” Band leader Kurt Walters said that throughout the day, the band played about 30 polkas.

Polka bands worldwide are realizing the importance of keeping their music new and interesting to keep their audiences of all ages and localities coming back.  Adding to the polka repertoire, Walters said he is rewriting the traditional German songs in English with the musical style of his audience. Also, to appeal to a younger crowd, polka bands worldwide are singing popular tunes like “Sweet Caroline,” “Country Rose” and “Hey Baby” in other languages such as Spanish, French and Italian.

Walters, originally from Karlsruhe, a city in Southwest Germany, started the band in 1988. He gave a brief history of Oktoberfest.  Beer didn’t become part of the celebration until 1818.

The largest Oktoberfest in the world continues in Munich, Bavaria and officially lasts 16 days. Today, it is all about the beer, described as “a two-week carbohydrate-filled festival of beer and merriment.” 

Mark your calendars. The next Messiah Oktoberfest is scheduled for Oct. 25, 2025.

The contact to book for 2025 can be found at http//alpenband.com.