HORACE LANGFORD JR. / PVT Dennis Keating plays trumpet for the Silver and Gold Band during the Oktoberfest goings-on at Honeysuckle Park. Advertisement

The annual United Way Oktoberfest was held at Honeysuckle Park Oct. 22. Lots of bratwursts and sauerkraut filled the plates of more than 200 attendees. The weather could not have been any better, and the fact that it was postponed from the previous drenched weekend could be considered a blessing.

Bob Baker, event coordinator, commented that "we ran out of food early and had to go buy more ... We are very pleased with the turnout."

United Way raised more than $1,900. All funds will remain in the Pahrump community and be used to help those in need.

Attendee Dan Small said, "We really enjoyed it, and had a lot of fun. The music was great." Sally Kennsy said, "The food was excellent and there was a good turnout."

Music was provided by the Silver and Gold Band and consisted of German and Bavarian tunes. Dennis Keating was on the trumpet, Bob Schoff, piano, and Tom Duke, saxophone/flute. The band came together 11 years ago and has played various events in and around Pahrump ever since.

Oktoberfest has a very long, rich history. It began in honor of the Crown Prince of Bavaria as a series of horse races in 1810. Within a decade the local town folk set up booths and offered food and drink.

Bratwurst was a prolific product and soon came to be associated with the event, as did, of course, beer. By the end of the 19th century, the booths became beer halls and the festival was held for weddings as well. Today, Munich, Germany, features a large midway filled with activities, a fair with local people selling home-grown products as well as vendors, and of course, lots of eating and drinking.

Contributors to this year's event included Charles Abbot and Associates. If you have questions or want more information, call Bob Baker at 775-751-2400.