German food, polka music and throwing trombones: Celebrating Old Town Cape's first Oktoberfest

The sounds of oom-pah music filled the air in downtown Cape Girardeau as Pat Schwent and "The German Hot Seven" polka band entertained the crowd at the first Old Town Cape Oktoberfest. The event, set at the gazebo on the Common Pleas Courthouse lawn, drew people who wanted to hear the music, drink a beer, eat some traditional foods and even toss a trombone.

"This is our first year for an Oktoberfest event, and we are very pleased with the turnout," said Marla Mills with Old Town Cape. Old Town Cape offered advanced tickets for $25, which included a full dinner catered by Port Cape as well as a commemorative stein. More than 100 people were there to eat and take part in the festivities. Nearly every seat was taken around the gazebo.

The first contest of the day was the "trombone throw." "This was intended to be a tuba toss, but if you've ever picked up a tuba, you'll appreciate the lighter trombone," Mills said to the crowd. There was a women's and men's division, and various techniques were applied, bringing smiles and the occasional quick reaction from judges on the throws that were a little off. Cole Windler and John Spear, both of Cape Girardeau, took the top two men's spots. Connie Eichhorn and Robyn Snodgrass took the top two in the women's division.

The Oktoberfest was celebrated with traditional German food and music. "It's a rare treat to hear a band play polka music, and getting to team it with authentic food makes the whole experience that much more rewarding," said Windler.

In addition to the food, music and brass tossing, there were also raffle tickets on sale to win items like a ruby necklace and "beer for a year," a case of beer every month for a year from Kohlfeld Distributing.

Port Cape catered authentic German food at Old Town Cape's first Oktoberfest at the Common Pleas Courthouse Park in Cape Girardeau Saturday October 24, 2009. (LAURA SIMON)

"It's a beautiful day out today, and to visit with friends, have a few beers and listen to the band; it's all good," said Cape Girardeau resident Cliff Morice. "I hope this does become an annual event and continues to grow."

Old Town Cape is looking to events like Oktoberfest to bring more Cape Girardeau residents downtown.

"After the Oktoberfest is over, we are heading downtown to have another beer and continue our social evening," said Eric Beauchamp. "This has been great; getting to sit in the sun with friends and enjoy the Oktoberfest, and was a perfect kickoff to our night out."

For more information on upcoming events sponsored by Old Town Cape, visit www.oldtowncape.org.