Fort Hays State University - Reveille Yearbook (Hays, KS)

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We ' ll have a Oktoberfest 1 1 barrel of fun .

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Roll out the barrel Oktoberfest in Hays, America — a study in Ger- man folklore so unique that CBS sent camera crews to do a film commentary on it. A tradition similar to one in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest was revived in Hays several years ago by the community ' s Volga-Germans, Since that time it has been dedicated as a community holiday. The celebration was placed in conjunction with Fort Hays State 1 s Homecoming Oct. 1 5-1 6 so the community could show its support to the college. This year, Friday afternoon classes were can- celled during Oktoberfest so that students could give their support to the community ' s efforts. The celebration ' s location was changed due to the resurfacing of the park ' s tennis courts. This also eliminated the dance bands that had been hired in years past to play for people wanting to dance on the courts throughout the day. Booths were set up northeast instead of south of the armory, and seventeen college organizations were represented among the groups who sold crafts or homemade food items. Crafts such as spinning, quilting, postrock mak- ing, sheep shearing, butchering and sausage making were demonstrated by area artisans and provided educational experiences for spectators. Travelers passing through Ha ys may have thought they were in another world, as both local radio stations broadcast from the grounds, featur- ing Oktoberfest activities including opening speeches in German. Oktoberfest 1976 was also significant as several months before, Hays and several area communi- ties celebrated centennials of their Volga-German ancestors who settled in the area. 1 2 | 1. Three beer gardens sold enough beer to pay for the lighting, construction and clean-up for the Oktoberfest celebration 2« More than 50 community and college organizations set up booths to sell food or crafts at the Oct 15 event. 3, There was homemade food galore at Oktoberfest Noel la Johnson. Johnstown, Pa. senior, takes a bite of cherry strudel, a favorite German pastry 4. Beer without pretzels is like Oktoberfest without beer. The Newcomers Club lakes advantage of the favorite combination by selling soft pretzels 5. Square dance demonstrations by the Fort Hays Star Promen a ders L were given on the grounds northeast of the armory, in the past, dancers had performed on the park tennis courts, but resur- facing prevented that 1 0 Oktoberfest

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— 1 1 . Tiger football players break 3 through the Pep Squad ' s paper H | barriers. Unfortunately, however, I I the team was unable to break through Northern Colorado ' s defensive line, and lost the Homecoming game, 48-20 2. Laughing despite an unexpected dunking in the Big Creek, Reveille staff members Kathy Schramm, Hays graduate student, and Carolyn Cook. Rus- sell senior, wade out wet and muddy. Their team was defeated tn the tug-of-war competition by McMindes Second West. 3. Tension turns to tears as the Homecoming queen is announced Runners-up Marlene Ptlieger. Logan senior, and Carmeli Thompson. Wickenburg. Ariz sopho- more. applaud Queen Carol Donetl. Weskan senior, who was robed on the banks of Big Creek Friday, then crowned at halftime of Satur- day ' s game 4. Fifty years ago this alumna was a graduating senior Members of her 1926 class were honored at a Half Century Club luncheon Oct 15. 5. A professional clown, whose nose looks good enough to eat, intrigues a young parade spectator. 1 2 Homecoming