Oktoberfest events on tap in Berlin, OP
NATHAN BRUNET ¦ Bayside Gazette Staff Writer
(Oct. 12, 2012) Although the Ocean City convention center will not host Oktoberfest activities this year, there will be plenty going on throughout the weekend on the other side of the Assawoman Bay in celebration of German tradition, food and of course, beer.
On Friday, Oct. 12, the inaugural “RockTober” in downtown Berlin will feature four area rock bands.
“The whole weekend is all about bands, beer, food and fun,” said Michael Day, economic and community development director of Berlin.
From 5:30-9:15 p.m., North Main Street will be closed to traffic from Jefferson Street to West Street and numerous tables and chairs, as well as vendor displays, will be set up in the center of downtown Berlin. There is no admission charge.
Each band will play a 45-minute set on a stage at the intersection of North Main and Broad streets. The opening act, Parental Guidance, will begin at 5:30 p.m. The Galaxy Collective will follow at 6:30 p.m., Monkee Paw at 7:30 p.m., and finishing the night will be an acoustic performance by Aaron Howell at 8:30 p.m.
Local businesses and organizations will sell Oktoberfest-inspired foods on the street, but there will be plenty of beer available, as well.
The following day, Oct. 13, on North Main Street in Berlin, DJ BK and Big Al Reno of Irie Radio 98.1 will take the stage at noon for the second annual Octoberfest.
This is also the day when many people just might take to the streets dressed in traditional German garb while two polka bands perform throughout the day.
The Continentals, of Washington, D.C., will play two two-hour sets starting at noon and 4 p.m. In between those sets will be a two-hour performance by Frank Nanna and the Cow Polkas at 2 p.m.
Although entertainment will differ from the previous day’s event, food and drink options will remain the same. The free event will conclude at 6 p.m.
To close out the weekend, the Ocean Pines Yacht Club on Sunday will set up a buffet of custom cuisine and feature an appearance by the owner of Burley Oak Brewing Company, Bryan Brushmiller, from 5-7 p.m.
Taking place on the club’s second floor, the $40 event has been planned as something of a beer and food pairing.
“It’s going to be an educational event to give Bryan the opportunity to talk about his craft and meet the locals,” said Yacht Club General Manager David McLaughlin.
Brushmiller will discuss how brewmasters develop their beers, while new executive head chef of the Yacht Club, Chett Bland, will discuss how he created his menu around the flavor of Burley’s brews.
The brewery’s seasonal Oktoberfest beer will be available, along with three of its other brews, Just the Tip, Rude Boy and Bunker C varieties.
Advanced reservations are recommended. Guests must be 21 years old or older. For more information, or to reserve a spot for the event, call 410-641-7501 or emaildining@oceanpines.org.
