OktoberFest brings family fun

The oompah music blared and bratwursts sizzled on the grill. Onslow County’s OktoberFest 2018 brought German cuisine, culture and entertainment to residents from throughout the community at the Riverwalk Park in Jacksonville, Oct. 27. Festivities kicked off Oct. 26 and lasted until Oct. 27 as the 11th annual celebration of community support marched on.

“This year’s OktoberFest definitely meant a lot to everyone,” said Yolonda Mayo, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) deputy operations officer and coordinator of the Miss OktoberFest pageant. “OktoberFest is essential for supporting Onslow Community Outreach (OCO). OCO is responsible for the operation of the Caring Community Clinic, the soup kitchen and Christmas Cheer. These are very important resources in our community, so we take the success of OktoberFest seriously. With the devastation from Hurricane Florence, the needs are greater now and we are doing everything possible to ensure they get met.”

OktoberFest featured live music from acts including Mike Corrado, Gary Lowder N Smokin’ Hot and the Foothills Oompah Band. In addition, a variety of food vendors and an entire children’s area with carnival rides and games provided recreation for the whole family. Organizations that help service members and community citizens were also in attendance to interact with the public.

“Events like OktoberFest are important to come out to,” said Phillip East, Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation treasurer and chairman of fundraising. “We want people to know the work we do for veterans and the military community, such as Wreaths Across America. Once people meet us and see what we’re about, they start seeing what they can do to get involved.”

Service to the community is the central theme of OktoberFest. With proceeds going towards OCO, the celebration reminds people to remember and help those less fortunate.

“Winning Miss OktoberFest is a shining moment in my life,” said Paula Rhodes, Miss OktoberFest 2018 winner and OCO volunteer. “OktoberFest and OCO are dedicated to community service, which is what I am passionate about. I hope to see increased expansion of the homeless shelter during my reign and continue to dedicate my time and efforts for the bettering of Onslow County.”