The first day of fall this year was September 23rd, but fall doesn’t really begin until a town near you holds their annual Oktoberfest event. Warren celebrated the autumn season on Saturday, October 10th, at Forest Lodge, attracting countless people to their convivial Warren Oktoberfest & Vendor Fair—an event which is as equally enjoyable for children as it is for adults.
Families flocked to the event, enjoying the traditional German food and beer, the amusing carnival games, and wonderful live music. Though the lines for food and beer were tremendously long, they were well worth the wait; families had the choice of traditional German dishes or good ole fashioned American food, like hot dogs, hamburgers, and wings.
More from Best of NJ
Fun, Food, & Flair
For those looking for even more, many delicious German desserts were also on offer. Kids kept busy scaling the rock wall or testing the wrecking ball; meanwhile, parents enjoyed a bratwurst sandwich or a plate of potato pancakes and a nice cold mug of Hacker-Pschorr.
The fair was lively throughout its 6-hour run; people throughout the Forest Lodge grounds played horseshoes or corn hole. Others took an exhilarating ride on the swinger or dodged the arms of the wipeout challenge. Individuals roaming the vendors’ stands found various items that were for sale, like authentic German souvenirs and sports memorabilia. And children and couples danced in front of the stage as the Bavarian Brothers Band played some outstandingly engaging music that was nonetheless pertinent to the event.
Autumn is certainly in full-gear now, and Warren’s Oktoberfest & Vendor Fair was the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the final warm breaths of the season until the Earth shifts into a period of shorter days and constant snow. At Forest Lodge, the fluorescent leaves, children’s laughter, energetic music, and scent of German food was Warren’s summer swan song; signaling autumn to begin to hum its first few notes.
All Photos: © Patrick Lombardi / Best of NJ