Ditching Class

Alright, so I admit it. I ditched Marple's class on Sunday and went to a festive Oktoberfest in a small mountain town.

They had live music, complete with lederhosen. Lots of polka, folks. Lots of polka.

And since I have a little German in me (okay, maybe a lot of German), I had to eat the authentic fare, like this kielbasa with kraut and apple strudel for dessert.

Caesar, unfortunately, did not get to enjoy the food like me. Although he really wanted to. Really, really wanted to.

Of course there were some events to attend to as well. Like this mug holding contest, which looks harder than it is. The main reason to enter? Free beer.

I couldn't resist snapping a shot of this Giant St. Bernard, complete with his fancy German necklace.

Finally, we caught some of the traditional dancing (again with the lederhosen) right before we left.

Our stomachs were full with beer and brats, our legs were tired from dancing (okay, so maybe just my legs...), and our noses were burned from the warm Colorado sun (okay, so maybe just my nose...).

Sorry Mrs. Marple--I'm sure you had a good class. But was there beer and lederhosen? I doubt it. You just can't compete...

Weekend Festival!

I spent some time this weekend enjoying one of my favorite bookends to the summer--the annual street festival my town hosts.

Hundreds of people pack into downtown where they can view the merchandise from regional vendors, learn about local social clubs/organizations, listen to live music, ride carnival rides. and eat festival food! It is pure summer enjoyment right before school starts up again!


I love the festival because it is a good way to meet new community members, including small children who are apparently wild about small dogs. Our furry friend attracted at least half a dozen munchins eager to coo and pet. She was sooo popular.


And a good way to support local organizations and charities.



And it's a chance to eat novelty foods, like fresh mini donuts, which my friend swears are the "cutest things ever!"


And to smell the smoky goodness of grilling waft through the streets...


Don't forget the people watching. It's one of my favorite summer festival pastimes--



Last, but certainly not least, it is the one time a year that my husband gets to eat a turkey leg. He loves them. So much so that he made me promise to put a ziploc bag in my purse so that I could bring one home for him. And let me tell you--I felt pretty silly stuffing a huge turkey leg into the bag and then into my purse!

But his happy smile was worth it when I got home.

Now we'll have to wait another year--and through another great summer--to enjoy the festival again!

Hope your August is filling up with good memories, too!

Previous Related Posts:
Soaking up to the End!
My End-of-Summer Reading List
Weekend Plans, sans internet