For the first time, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime brought some Oktoberfest-inspired fun to its venue in Sarasota, inviting community members to try out their yodeling skills, snack on giant pretzels, test their strength with a stein-holding competition and, of course, sample some German beverages central to the annual festivities.
The Fabulous Schnitzel Brothers band provided the polka music, and attendees brought the enthusiasm.
Owner Kim Livengood said she thought it would be a great event to introduce, considering the bazaar has the outdoor space for spirited events.
Though there was some tough competition, Anthony Baffo held out the longest in the stein-holding competition this year.
Chef Mitch Rosenbaum brought his talents to the outdoor venue, cooking up European favorites including schnitzel and bratwurst in his mobile kitchen, Hamlet's Eatery.
The Munich-based festival ran from Sept. 20 to Oct. 5 and is celebrated all around the world.
Anthony Baffo celebrates his win in the stein-holding competition at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime's inaugural Oktoberfest on Oct. 4.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Kim Livengood, owner of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, introduced the venue's first Oktoberfest celebration on Oct. 4.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Dave DeWitt, trombonist for The Fabulous Schnitzel Brothers band, entertained Oktoberfest attendees of all ages.
Photo by Dana Kampa
The four-member Fabulous Schnitzel Brothers polka band transported festival-goers to Europe during the Oktoberfest celebration on Oct. 4 at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Bill Milner of The Fabulous Schnitzel Brothers polka band lent his talents on the accordion and with vocals.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Kim Livengood, owner of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, shows contestants in the stein-holding competition how they must hold the glass level, without wobbling, to avoid elimination.
Photo by Dana Kampa
From right, Penny Brewer, Joni Citron and Dean Argabright all give the stein-holding competition a good bid, but it's Anthony Baffo on the left who eventually places first.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Chef Mitch Rosenbaum of Hamlet's Eatery whipped up bratwurst and schnitzel, among other treats for Oktoberfest on Oct. 4 at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Theresa and Frank Boyla share a smile after he takes third place in the stein-holding competition.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Ellen, Cameron and Jackson McCann sample the giant pretzel and apple strudel freshly prepared by Chef Mitch Rosenbaum at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime's Oktoberfest.
Photo by Dana Kampa
The Munich-based festival ran from Sept. 20 to Oct. 5 and is celebrated all around the world.
Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.
