`OKTOBERFEST' OFERS A TRIP BACK IN TIME; BLACK FOREST WILL HOLD SECOND ANNUAL GERMAN FESTIVAL

The villages of New Hanover and Arnsberg in the Black Forest will be the sight of an Oktoberfest this weekend, complete with German food and working crafts.

It's the second annual festival at Black Forest, situated three miles north of Cape Girardeau on County Road 638.

"Last year's Oktoberfest didn't have near the German theme this year's event will have," said Greg Macke, owner of the Black Forest. "This year it's got more of a German flavor."

Macke said the weekend will celebrate the area's German heritage.

The Black Forest was the dream of the late Burton J. Gerhardt, who created the towns. Gerhardt began his tribute to the early German settlements in the late 1950s and early 1960s, constructing 32 buildings including a saloon, two general stores, blacksmith shop sawmill, railroad depot, firehouse, a working foundry and one of only five covered bridges in Missouri.

Many craftsmen will be at the Black Forest this weekend demonstrating their specialities, including apple-butter cooking over an open fire, basket weaving, yarn weaving, arrowhead chipping and more.

Other crafters include an oil painter, blacksmith, leathersmith, quilter and oil painter. The Cape German Band will perform from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

"We had over 3,000 people visit last year," Macke said. "So if we have good weather, I expect there to be just as many people visit this year."

Macke said the weekend is a good opportunity for people to observe old-time, craft-making techniques.

"I'm excited about the blacksmith being here. It took me a long time to find one," he said.

"We'll have old, traditional crafts set up in the different buildings, and hopefully have some real good German food."

Antiques displayed will include those from the early American era, he said.

Macke said the event has a festive atmosphere. "It's not something you can experience every weekend," he said.

A similar event in the spring will be held in conjunction with the Mississippi River Scenic Drive, he said.

The Oktoberfest will be open to senior citizens and other special groups on Friday.

The Black Forest will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $1 and parking is free. Food and beverages will be sold on the premises. Special arrangements can be made for group camping. For camping reservations, call 335-0899.