A Tour of the OB Oktoberfest

By Matthew Wood

Ocean Beach got its “oom-pah” on this weekend at the 10th annual OB Oktoberfest. Festivities included the 5K Brat Trot on the beach, a stein holding contest, music on two stages and – of course – a whole lot of beer.

Here’s a look at the “partei” in some pics from the event.

The Rey Vinole Oktoberfest Band performed all day on the side stage by the seawall, playing traditional German polkas and other favorites.

Sarah Norwood of the band AJ Froman kicked off the music on Saturday, entrancing the crowd with her passionate vocals behind trippy guitar riffs from the five-person group. They had the best sound of the day. Get them a better time slot next year!
Partiers were encouraged to wear traditional German outfits for the fest.

The Brat Trot 5K brought out some great costumes as well. The race course started on the sand by the pier, heading all the way to the skate park Robb Field and back. This guy didn’t win.
Megan Crowley participates in the Sausage Toss. Ten people qualified for the grand prize of $10,000. Nobody won, or else drinks would be on them.
The final cash stash prize was given out after the Brat Trot. The Hoy Hoy Boys gave out $1,000 in envelopes hidden around OB during the week.

Fans start to crowd the main stage as night falls on the fest. A dozen bands in all played the festival over the two days.

Somebody buy these girls a Spaten!

Men participate in the Stein Holding Competition. This year’s field broke the completely unofficial record for time holding steins. It’s harder than it looks.

Spanish-language band Todo Mundo.

Rob Hurt and Matt Burke of Vokab Company get the crowd live with their funky riffs and original hip-hop style.