Raise a Beer Stein to Oktoberfest in Southampton

Before Halloween is here, there’s another not-so-spooky way to celebrate the fall: the German holiday of Oktoberfest!

While you're looking forward to dressing up in a costume and nearly getting a cavity from the candy intake, you can don knee socks and feast on bratwursts and beer.

On Friday, Southampton Publick House will tap its 2012 Oktoberfest lager and celebrate with live Polka and German music by Keyboard Charly Nutturno and AM Radio. The Our Fabulous Variety Show Players will provide entertainment.

A German menu will be available in the dining room, and bratwurst and pretzels available at the bar. The first 50 guests get a free T-shirt, and commemorative beer steins will be for sale, with the first fill free. A yodeling competition is planned for a $100 Publick House gift card, as well as a polka contest for a case of Pumpkin Ale.

Those who dress for the occasion will be entered into a raffle for four free tickets to the upcoming Holiday Variety Show by Our Fabulous Variety Show.

There is no cover charge.

Southampton Village's year-round destination for German fare, Shippy's Pumpernickels Restaurant East, will have a special menu from Oct. 15 through 21 for Oktoberfest.

German pancakes and sausages will be on the menu, said Shippy's waitress Dena Harris, as well as traditional Schnitzel.

"The potato pancakes are outrageous," Harris said. "I can't wait for Oktoberfest myself."

In its native Bavaria, Germany, Oktoberfest is traditionally celebrated for 16 days, and this year the fun goes from Sept. 22 to Oct. 7. It is one of the most spirited celebrations in Germany, and is a huge part of Bavarian culture.

The first Oktoberfest was in 1810, as part of Crown Prince Ludwig’s wedding festivities, and has continued ever since.

Oktoberfest sends lots of Americans to the store to stock up on sausages and spirits during the celebration. Check out some native German recipes like sauerkraut and potato pancakes or unique beers during the 16-day celebration, they'll have your taste buds saying “danke schön”! You can also try your hand at grilled bratwurst with German potato salad. Finishing off the meal with a German apple strudel is also sure to be a crowd pleaser.

And of course, you can’t say auf wiedersehen to Oktoberfest without a proper polka. Here are some polka dance moves and a tutorial that will make you the toast of the celebration.

Glückliches Oktoberfest!