A Milford fall tradition more than three decades in the making will return in October when St. John the Apostle Catholic Church hosts its 33rd Annual German Oktoberfest. The two-day celebration will be held Friday, Oct. 2, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 3, from noon to 10 p.m. on the church grounds at 506 Seabury Ave. Admission is free.
Live entertainment will begin Friday evening with The Funsters, a longtime regional rock-and-soul horn band, performing from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday’s entertainment will begin with a more traditional Oktoberfest flavor. Dave Betz and His German Orchestra and the Delaware Enzian Kapelle German dance group will entertain from noon to 4 p.m.
From 4 to 6 p.m., the Milford Community Smooth Sound Band will take the stage with classic selections performed in a big-band style. Glass Onion Band will close the festival with music from 6 to 10 p.m.
Food has long been one of the centerpieces of St. John’s Oktoberfest. The international food court will feature traditional German dishes along with Italian, Spanish, Polish and Irish selections. Hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, funnel cake, icy treats and homemade baked goods will also be available. Food tickets may be purchased at the information booth, with both cash and credit or debit cards accepted.
Children will have plenty to do throughout the festival. This year’s activities include inflatables, face painting and pumpkin painting, along with rides on a fire truck and a children’s train.
Past Oktoberfests have included an even broader assortment of children’s entertainment, including obstacle courses, a climbing wall, petting zoo and hay rides, demonstrating how the celebration has grown into a family-oriented community festival over the years.
Although this year’s event is billed as the 33rd annual Oktoberfest, the roots of the celebration stretch back to 1990, when St. John the Apostle parish established Oktoberfest as an annual fundraiser. According to the parish’s history, the festival grew over time into a community-wide event drawing visitors from throughout Kent and Sussex counties.
The parish itself has a much longer history in Milford. St. John the Apostle was established in the early 20th century, and growth in Milford following the establishment of Dover Air Force Base and increased local industry eventually led the congregation to build its present church on Seabury Avenue. The building was dedicated in November 1954.
Oktoberfest has become the largest annual fundraiser for St. John the Apostle and its mission parish, St. Bernadette in Harrington. Previous festivals have used proceeds to support the work of the parish while providing a weekend of food, music and activities for the wider Milford community.
