This past Saturday, September 21, the City of Darien and the Darien Lions Club held our Second Annual Darien Oktoberfest. Planning for this event began back in January, and attention was given to providing an environment that while containing many of the traditional elements of an Oktoberfest celebration, would also incorporate local charm and community spirit, creating what we believed to be a unique experience for Darien residents and visitors.
The event took place in Westwood Park, which is a wonderful setting for events such as our community concerts and Darien Fest. The park’s layout provided us with an opportunity to provide a larger venue than last year, thus enabling visitors a larger gathering and dining area, space for games and activities, ease of parking and a more expansive food and beverage selection. Culinary delights were a central feature of our Darien Oktoberfest, attendees savored classic German dishes like Bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels, Schnitzel, along with more traditional offerings such as hot dogs and potato chips. To complement these food choices, there was a wide selection of beers that served to enhance the festive atmosphere. Lively music, offering both traditional Bavarian, tunes by the “Happy Wanderers” and the music of “Hoodwinked,” had people up dancing and enjoying the festive spirit.
In essence, Oktoberfest here in Darien was more than just a food and beer festival; it was a joyful celebration of community and culture, providing for many unforgettable moments. Whether enjoying our delicious cuisine, dancing to lively music, or connecting with neighbors, Darien’s Oktoberfest, embodied the spirit of fun and togetherness that defines the heart of our Darien community.