The Coplay Saengerbund’s Sept. 11 Oktoberfest celebration was held on an overcast day in the outside grove at 205 S. Fifth St. The weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of the attendees.

The traditional celebration, put on by the heritage committee, was well attended and included ethnic foods, a variety of German beers for sale, music and dancing. A number of attendees dressed in ethnic garb.

Oktoberfest has a long history. The first event was held in Munich, Germany, Oct. 12, 1810, to celebrate the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Ludwig I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

It was a time when empires ruled much of Europe by monarchies. World War I ended empire rule from Great Britain to Russia, but Oktoberfest survived.

Oktoberfest endured the rise and defeat of fascism in Europe during World War II to become a happy celebration of friendship. It is open to all people, no matter their nationality.

In Munich, Oktoberfest runs for two weeks, beginning in September and culminating on the first Sunday in October. It is a celebration of history, fellowship and an effort to reproduce the Bavarian sense of gemutlichkeit - geniality, friendliness, warmth and good cheer.

The Saengerbund’s Oktoberfest celebration featured imported German beers and authentic German food.

Music was provided by the Joseph Kroboth band, and entertainment included the Auerhahn Schuhplattler Dancers, an Oktoberfest singalong and Masskrugstemmen.

Masskrugstemmen is a Bavarian group sport. Contestants hold a stein filled with beer. The beer stein must be held by one arm only and with the arm completely outstretched and parallel to the floor. The contestant holding the stein for the longest time wins a prize.

The Schuhplattler (shoe slapper) dance is a folk dance that began in the 11th century in the Bavarian and Tyrolean Alps. It is an entertaining, high-energy dance that includes men, women and children. Attendees in authentic German dress participated in the dance.

The day was kicked off with a colorful parade honoring Germany, Austria, Hungary and Burgenland that set the stage for a fun afternoon.

The attendees were serenaded with a musician playing an Alphorn, or Alpine horn. The horn is a long-necked instrument used in the Alps to send messages or simply play music.

One could watch attendees dressed in dirndl and lederhosen as they danced and commingled and feel a sense of being transported back 200 ago to the 19th-century Oktoberfests.