Sunday, March 21, 2010

Fort marks Oktoberfest with fun, food

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Charmain Z. Brackett/Special
Carol Land paints a design on Kasey Carpenter's face at Fort Gordon's Oktoberfest celebration. The festivities included a flea market, carnival rides, German food and musical performers.

Fred and Ruth Seabrook are regulars.

Twice a year, the Anderson, S.C., couple travel to Fort Gordon for the Fort Gordon Service Club's flea market to sell their collectible glass and cast-iron pieces.

"We usually do fairly well," Mr. Seabrook said.

The Seabrooks were among the 150 vendors at the flea market Saturday, which was part of the Oktoberfest celebration.

From clothing to fresh produce, there was a variety of items for sale at the flea market, a fundraiser for the Fort Gordon Service Club.

"Our main goal is to make money to give back to the community, not just Fort Gordon, but to the Augusta community as well," said Kathi Pope, a member of the Fort Gordon Service Club.

In addition to the flea market, there was a carnival with rides and games, entertainment by the German Friendship Singers, the Signal Corps Band and Jake Herzog and the Bavarian Express.

It was the first time that Joann Hodge had ever ventured to the Oktoberfest activities.

She brought two nieces, Kasey Carpenter, 8, and Emilee Carpenter, 6.

"I saw it in the paper and thought they would enjoy it," she said.

Only a few minutes into their visit, the two girls were ready to hit the carnival rides.

Most of the festivities were held Friday through Sunday at Fort Gordon's Barton Field.

Steve Walpert, Fort Gordon's entertainment director, said the event seems to draw more people each year.

"We've had good crowds and great weather. People seem to be getting in the Oktoberfest spirit," he said.

German food added to the Oktoberfest ambiance.

Kisha Williams took a break from her post at the 63rd Signal Battalion's family readiness group booth at the flea market to stand in line for bratwurst.

"I'll probably gain 10 pounds before the weekend is over," said Ms. Williams, who had some schnitzel the day before.

"They are both wonderful," she said of the food.

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.

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