Charlotte Hawkey, age 2, is wearing an authentic “Dirndle” that her great grandmother brought to the United States from Germany in the late 1950s. Charlotte will be celebrating her 3rd birthday at the OAKtoberfest!

The first Oak-toberfest is Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Oakwood Inn in Syracuse. This “wunderbar” event is presented by Oakwood Resort, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, and Chautauqua-Wawasee, and includes fun for all ages.

No need to speak German at this Oktoberfest, but here are a few interesting phrases that you won’t need to know to attend:

Children and family activities will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include a lakeside open air market featuring variety of vendors, petting zoo, alpacas, pony rides, games, face painting, authentic German foods, pretzels, entertainment and much more!

Daytime Entertainment Schedule
11 a.m. – Zumba Fitness With Shannon (sponsored by Lakeside Fitness, Syracuse)
Looking for an enjoyable way to get fit – look no further – Shannon Baker, Zumba Fitness Instructor at Lakeside Fitness is bringing her Zumba class to the Oaktoberfest and encourages everyone to join this Latin dance inspired fitness party – for free! Come join the Zumba phenomenon and enjoy this dance workout that burns calories and helps you to get fit – all while having fun!

Noon – YogaFest  (sponsored by Lakeside Fitness, Syracuse)
Another great, free and fun exercise opportunity.  The health benefits of Yoga can improve flexibility, strength, posture and more.  A great way to sample a class and see if Yoga is for you!

1 p.m. –  The Schmidts, Yodeling and Bluegrass Music
The Schmidts are based out of Northern Indiana, but their music can be heard throughout the United States. CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase.

2 p.m. – Lee Anne Stewart Fusion Dance Team (sponsored by LeeAnne Stewart Dance School)
Fusion Dance Team is a hard working group of students ranging from 7 to 18 years old.  The dancers take ballet, tap and jazz classes and some also take hip hop and pointe. Team members attend extra Fusion classes and rehearsals as they prepare for regional and national dance competitions and local performances. Fusion dance team members have performed at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Chicago, Indianapolis and New York and have won numerous awards at regional and national competitions.

Jay Fox and the Bavarian Showtime Band from Fort Wayne, Indiana

21 And Over Entertainment

The 21 and over crowd will be entertained from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with the Jay Fox Band, Authentic German foods, beergarten, imported wines, dancing, games and activities.

The Jay Fox Bavarian Showtime Band features authentic Bavarian schuhplatting (German Shoe-Slap Dancing), Tyrolian cow-bell ringing and yodeling. They tour the Midwest and South annually, perform in Europe, play in numerous festivals, hotels, clubs and public dances. They have also been asked to perform for many dignitaries including former Vice President Dan Quayle for his presidential campaign.

Visit www.chqw.org to keep updated on schedule of events or for information on becoming a vendor for the outdoor lakeside market. Contact the Oakwood Resort at 574-457-7100, or Syracuse Wawasee Chamber of Commerce at 574-457-5637.