Grass Lake's third annual Oktoberfest filled downtown outside the Lost Railway Museum on Saturday, October 3 with lederhosen, dirndls, polka and plenty of familiar faces. The event raises funds for the Lost Railway Museum. Hats off to Phil Willis, his team and the volunteers for a great job.
Food, family and fall
Guests enjoyed a great variety of authentic German food, and the polka dances drew plenty of hooting, hollering and cheering. Hordes of kids ran in circles around the big tent and tried their hand at rolling barrels, a sure sign of a great family event. Even with all the celebrating, the cool fall air brought a calm that set this festival apart from summer events in town. We hope Oktoberfest stays a Grass Lake staple for years to come.
The music
Music was provided by 5 Second Rule and Ann Arbor Music Academy. The academy brought talented singers and an accordion player performing German toasting music and songs from The Sound of Music, featuring voice instructor Stephanie Graham and voice coach Melinda Carlisle, along with singer Steve Pierce and Leah Fox on accordion.
Watch the performances
Stephanie Graham: "The Hills Are Alive"
Stephanie Graham, a voice instructor at Ann Arbor Music Academy, performs "The Hills Are Alive" from The Sound of Music.
Melinda Carlisle: "Climb Ev'ry Mountain"
Melinda Carlisle, a voice coach from Ann Arbor Music Academy, sings "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" from The Sound of Music.
Steve Pierce and Leah Fox: "Edelweiss"
Steve Pierce, an Ann Arbor financial advisor and singer, sings "Edelweiss," accompanied by professional pianist and accordion player Leah Fox.
Photo album
Photos by Randall Lee, RK Studios LLC.
Join us next year
Mark your calendar: next year's Grass Lake Oktoberfest is Saturday, October 2, 2027.