Steinholding contest winner Susie Jacobbi faces off against the last other remaining contestant, John Roeleveld.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sarasota
Neighbors
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For Susie Jacobbi, Park-toberfest at The Bay was more than just a chance to use the skills she's acquired over 30 years of yoga.
It was also a chance to connect with her German heritage, as her father, Joseph Hertlein, who was born in Germany, had also loved Oktoberfest during his life.
"I invited my friends to come, and very happy to be here," said Jacobbi, who celebrates Oktoberfest every year.
However, Jacobbi also became the winner of the stein holding contest, in which attendees competed to see who could hold out a glass of water the longest without spilling any of its contents.
Clocking in at over 10 minutes alongside second-place contestant John Roeleveld, Jacobbi said it was the "breathing strength, and believing in yourself" of yoga that made the win possible.
"I'm very strong in yoga," she said. "I do yoga every day, so I didn't have a doubt."
She called herself "very proud."
"I wish my father could be here to cheer me on," she said.
The event featured live music by the DeLeon Oktoberfest Band; bratwurst, soft pretzel sticks and beer cheese at The Nest Café; and German-inspired and local craft beers.
Karen and John Szkutnik, and Lee Ann and Steve Pond, wore pretzel necklaces and earrings made by Lee Ann Pond, who is Karen Szkutnik's sister.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Alex DeLeon of the DeLeon Oktoberfest Band performs on stage.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Dan Shaffer and Pier Ignozzi-Shaffer put on their Oktoberfest hats.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Attendees Pete Demichele, Paulie Burmeister and Suzana Culi play "Edelweiss" on bells with the direction of the DeLeon Oktoberfest Band.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Carol Wetzig, Bob DiPetrillo, Chuck Haff, Jacqui Ritchie and Bill Ritchie, Debbie and Glenn McPeak and Karen Haff enjoyed their time at the event.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sheila DeLeon and Haley DeLeon of the DeLeon Oktoberfest Band perform on stage.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Donna Carey, Jennifer Boris and Michelle Kuelbs and her dog BonBon listen as the rules of the Steinholding contest are explained.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Oscar Rodriguez watches as Lance Cox of the DeLeon Oktoberfest Band demonstrates Steinholding.
Photo by Ian Swaby
The Steinholding contest takes place, with Michael Ziebell pictured in front.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Pete Demichele and Donna Carey participate in the Steinholding contest.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Steinholding contest winner Susie Jacobbi faces off against the last other remaining contestant, John Roeleveld.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Steinholding contest winner Susie Jacobbi faces off against the last other remaining contestant, John Roeleveld.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Ellie Portillo and her sister Ella Portillo dance to the live music.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Michael and Susan Ziebell dance in The Oval at The Bay.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Marti Eidam and Susan Widen join in one last salute as the event ends.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jeff Wooldridge and Lance Cox of the DeLeon Oktoberfest Band perform on stage.
Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.
