On September 28th, the Whitehead Museum held its 30th annual Oktoberfest fundraiser. This fundraiser is one of the Museum’s most well-performing events throughout the year. This celebration highlights the start of fall and brings people together to delight in the season and celebrate in each other’s company.

Oktoberfest is an autumn festival that originated in Germany. Traditionally, people come together to eat and drink traditional Bavarian delicacies as well as participate in Bavarian culture through costumes, music, and much more.The first documented celebration is recorded to have occurred on October 12, 1810, as a celebration of the crown prince of Bavaria’s marriage to Princess Therese von-Sachsen Hildburghausen. Typically, the celebration is held over a two-week period. Though, many places around the world, such as Del Rio, hold small celebrations that last around one to two days rather than the traditional two-week duration. 

Festivities at the Museum started at 6 p.m. and lasted until around 11 p.m. this year. Tickets were available for purchase for between $30-$40. There were many staples at the celebration, such as a performance from the New Braunfels Orchestra group, the Seven Dutchman, and raffles for prizes donated by many businesses and citizens of Del Rio, and much more.

The Whitehead conducts events for the community such as this throughout the year for Del Rio residents. The most notable event on the way is Cajun Fest at the Museum. The Whitehead encourages community members and other patrons to attend such events to ensure the museum can continue to put on these events and more for the city of Del Rio in the future.