It’s not everyday that you get to ooh-and-ah at the spectacle of men in lederhosen, or women donned in dirndl skirts, is it? In fact, the opportunity comes around just once a year (at least, as far as we know).

San Juan Island will be outfitted up to its Bavarian best in celebration of the 19th almost-annual Oktoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 5, at the fairgrounds in Friday Harbor.

The almost-annual event will feature just about everything one might expect at any traditional Oktoberfest extravaganza, like Bavarian style food and drinks… and beer, naturally… funny hats, a Blakapelle oompah orchestra led by event found Tom Starr—complete with accordions and tubas—plenty of polkas, with professional instructors to lend a hand, a series of sing-alongs, crafts for the kids, and a costume contest as well.

Perhaps there may even be a Chicken Dance or two.

Sponsored by San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, Oktoberfest is a charitable event, with proceeds benefitting the various charities supported by the local Lions, Rotary and Soroptimists clubs.

Collectible Oktoberfest steins, commemorating the 19th annual event, will be available for purchase. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. and oompah-pah, oompah-pahs all the way until 10 p.m.

For more info, contact the chamber, 378-5240, or the event Facebook page: SJI Oktoberfest.