Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

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Savannah, GA is one of the most beautiful cities in the country.  Savannah brings to mind trees dripping with Spanish moss lining cobblestone streets, stately historic homes, and some amazing cuisine; a throw back to a simpler more genteel time.

Savannah, GA

Savannah, GA

Savannah, GA

Savannah, GA

Pralines at River Street Sweets in Savannah, GA

Of course, Savannah does offer all of this, but they also know how to throw one hell of a party.  Every year the Savannah Waterfront Association hosts several fun events and most recently I was able to attend their Oktoberfest.  From October 3-5 Savannah’s River Street was alive with music, polka dancing, and the smell of German sausages and beer.

Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

Unfortunately, I did not arrive in Savannah until Saturday morning, so I missed the Friday night fireworks.  Though years of living near Disney World have left me pretty jaded about fireworks, so I’m kind of okay with it.  I got there in time for the Wiener Dog Races, which were obviously the highlight of the entire festival!

By the time I arrived the stands were already packed with onlookers as the dogs and owners were preparing for the pre-race costume contest.  That’s right, dachshunds in costumes.  This was the perfect greeting after a 5 hour drive that commenced before dawn.

The dogs were paraded in front of an adoring audience dressed as everything from pirates to fairies, and of course the obvious (but still adorable) hot dog, but all bets were off when Quimby entered the ring.

Quimby the winner of the wiener dog costume contest at Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

This little guy was dressed as a seal, which may have been enough to secure a win on its own, but then he started to walk.  Well, really it was more of a hop.  Quimby is a handicapped dachshund that can’t use his back legs.  He usually utilizes a tiny adorable dachshund wheelchair on his back legs, but in this costume he hopped around like an actual seal.  Naturally this sealed the deal (pun intended).  Quimby was no doubt an audience favorite.

Quimby the winner of the wiener dog costume contest at Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

Quimby was the clear winner and deservedly so, but there was also a top five that did not feature this Mr. Peabody, that I personally feel was robbed.

Mr. Peabody at the wiener dog costume contest at Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

After the costume contest, it was down to serious business, the races.  I’ll take a moment to say that, as the owner of two retired racing greyhounds, dog racing is not something I typically support.  This was different however, these are pets entered by their families.

Wiener dog races at Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

In fact, a good portion of them didn’t even move when the gates were lifted, and still had someone to go home to.

Quimby also competed in the races with his wheelchair.  While obviously not the fastest, he had the audience in the palm of his paw.

Quimby the handicapped dachshund at the Wiener dog races at Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

Frankie the dachshund won for the 3rd year in a row.  There is an excellent trophy case, and probably a resentful teenaged underachiever at Frankie’s house.

After the wiener dog races the festivities moved to Rousakis Plaza on River Street.   Time for German food, beer, and general silliness.

Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

Of course, no Oktoberfest would be complete without an Oompah band.

Rhinelanders Oompah Band at Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

They also had some pretty cute and clever merchandise.

Savannah, GA Oktoberfest shirt

Savannah, GA Oktoberfest shirt

Now, for my money (at this free event) the wiener dog events stole the show, but there are several other exciting German themed events too!

The festival kicks off with a Stein Hoist that was postponed due to rain, so I actually got to see it!  There is also a Sausage Eating Contest and Stein and Keg Roll Races.

Stein Races at Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

Stein Races at Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

Root beer was used for the stein races, so no actual beer was spilled.  That’s responsible tourism.

Oktoberfest wrapped up on Sunday with a final afternoon of beer, sausage, and music and sadly it was time for me to go home.  I’m sure I will be back in Savannah soon though.  The Savannah Waterfront Association host tons of fun events through out the year, but there is plenty to see between events too.  Savannah is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the country that offers something for every kind of traveler.

5 thoughts on “Oktoberfest in Savannah, GA

  1. Ahh Quimby is the cutest little thing! Looks like fun! 🙂 x
    Kelly @ Endlessly Exploring recently posted…Bike Riding Death Road in Bolivia: The World’s Most Dangerous RoadMy Profile

    • Mags

      Quimby is the best. If his parents had turned their backs for a second he would have been coming home with me. 😉

  2. JP

    Ahhh, there is something poetic about the arthritic and mangled branches of the oak tree, especially when it’s strewn with Spanish moss! I love Savannah and its southern charm, thanks for sharing 🙂
    JP recently posted…10 Movies That Inspire TravelMy Profile

    • Mags

      I’m a sucker for Spanish moss myself!

  3. […] Savannah is one of my favorite cities, and luckily it’s inhabited by one of my favorite (and only) brothers, so I get to visit fairly often.  Most recently I spent the night in Savannah on my way to Richmond, VA and was able to partake in one of the best road trip breakfast ever at The Funky Brunch Cafe!  Of course it’s probably pretty good for non-road trip brunches as well. […]

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