Long Island Oktoberfest draws thousands to Franklin Square celebration
Traditional German music, food, dancing and beer highlighted the final weekend of Oktoberfest festivities at Plattduetsche Park.
More Stories
Thousands of people have been enjoying Oktoberfest celebrations across Long Island this month, with one of the region’s largest gatherings taking place at Plattduetsche Park in Franklin Square.
A lively atmosphere filled the venue Saturday as traditional German music set the scene for the classic Oktoberfest celebration.
“We're a German American dance band,” said Ferdinand Huber, of The NY Spitzbuam.
Huber said the season is one of the busiest times of the year for the group.
Oktoberfest festivities at Plattduetsche Park began at the end of September with Ompahfest. Since then, visitors have spent three weeks enjoying German food, beer and entertainment.
“We have our German music, of course. We have traditional German dancing for entertainment and, of course, all the great German food that we always offer, but that we highlight during Oktoberfest,” said General Manager Matthew Buck.
Thousands of people walked through the beer garden on Saturday and stopped for German favorites such as schnitzel and bratwurst, along with large steins of beer.
“When you see people enjoying a good German beer, holding up their stein, saying, prost, it's just a killer atmosphere,” Buck said.
For some visitors, the event provided a new cultural experience. For others, it was an opportunity to celebrate their German heritage.
The celebration marked the final weekend of Oktoberfest festivities at the venue.
While Oktoberfest is wrapping up, restaurant employees said visitors can continue to enjoy the German food, beer and atmosphere at Plattduetsche Park throughout the year.
