Oktoberfest Invades La Mesa, Oct. 7, 8 & 9

If March means we all claim a bit of Irish heritage in spirit, then October means we claim a bit of Germany as well. And our love of bratwurst, beer and polka music is reflected in the number of popular Oktoberfest celebrations throughout San Diego County. But there's no question that the granddaddy of Oktoberfests is the celebration in La Mesa's downtown village. This massive community celebration/street fair is in its 32nd year and takes place Oct. 7, 8 & 9. If you've never been to an Oktoberfest, then the La Mesa event is a great place to start: the smell of bratwurst and other German food, the sound of polka music (don't forget to participate in the Chicken Dance!), the refreshing cool beer, and lots of arts, crafts and family activities. Typically, over 200,000 people attend the weekend event, so it must be fun, right? But parking can be tricky, since area streets are closed off. But your best bet is to ride the Trolley (the new Green Line makes it even easier) - it'll take you to the middle of the event, at Spring St. and La Mesa Blvd. For more info and times for La Mesa Oktoberfest, go to the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce website.

For info about taking the new Green Line Trolley to Oktoberfest, read my recent article here.