Editorial
Front Page - Friday, October 22, 2010
River City Roundabout
“Oompah” Time
Erica Tuggle
When fall rolls around, Rock City rolls out the red carpet on big events for the holiday season. One of these events is the annual Rocktoberfest celebration that honors the German heritage of their co-founder, Frieda Utermoehlen Carter.
In its fifth year, Rocktoberfest is perfect for any group with a wide array of activities for kids and adults. At this year’s Rocktoberfest, live music returns to the event held each weekend in October from noon to 5 p.m.
The Wurstbrats, part of the Sweet Georgia Sound, started off the first weekend of Rocktoberfest with German tunes, providing the background music for polka lessons and several rounds of the “chicken dance.” For the weekend of Oct. 16 and 17, the Music Meisters from Nashville, Tenn., will played.
During the weekend of Oct. 23 and 24, the Alpine Mountain Band, also from Nashville, Tenn., will play. Laurentz und die Katven from Atlanta, Ga., will finish off the last weekend of Rocktoberfest on Oct. 30 and 31.
It’s not only dancing and good music that make Rocktoberfest special, but also visiting Rock City during the weekends in October that provide much to see and experience. The Buddenstrasse (Avenue of Booths) at the event is a place near Lover’s Leap that features Artisan vendors and children’s activities like pumpkin painting, the Rock Climbing Wall and Fairyland Forest Makeovers.
The Big River Beer Garden, set up near the pavilion, provides varieties of German brew including the Oktoberfest blend. These selections go along well with the already delectable German food to be had at the event. Juicy bratwurst, homemade sauerkraut, rosemary potatoes, hot pretzels, potato leek soup and more are all ready to fill your need for German cuisine after hiking through the Enchanted Trail.
If you think you have room, you can even get a slice of German chocolate cake to try while you watch the Polka lessons at noon and 1:30 each weekend day and enjoy the fall colors of the valley below. Blooming in October at Rock City is holly osmanthus, pansies, tall narrow leaf sunflowers and chrysanthemums.
For those who are looking to try out for the next season of “American Idol,” or perhaps just wish they were, Oompah Karaoke is set up on the Critter Classroom Stage along the trail. Another entertainment act, the Atlanta Puppets, performed their custom Bavarian puppet show at the Lover’s Leap stage during the weekend of Oct. 16 and 17.
Leaving this experience empty handed is not an option, and with the neat and original souvenirs to accompany this event, the tough part will be to decide which one to bring home. Chicken hats, Biarritz German hats, souvenir beer mugs (that include a free first beer) or Rocktoberfest sweaters to keep warm are all options.
The pink Rock City Survivor Birdhouses are also available for a special twist on the traditional Rock City Birdhouses and proceeds that benefit the Scenic City Survivors.
The photo opportunities are there, too, with Rocky the Elf on hand as well as other great natural shots. For those who haven’t visited Rock City in awhile, this is a great opportunity to enjoy a local attraction. The natural beauty of the landscape and views of Rock City, as well as the self-paced walk along the Enchanted Trail make for a good way to enjoy the day.
The Enchanted Maize at Blowing Springs Farm, located below Rock City, is also open until the end of October. This event is a family favorite as well for its fun and tricky corn maze, the hayrides and cow train, the crafting opportunities, inflatables and great food.
Adults and teens looking for something a little more sinister should visit the Blowing Springs Farm in the nighttime during Fridays and Saturdays in October to experience the Blowing Screams Farm. This haunted attraction will creep out even the most jaded haunted house-goer, mainly because the experience can be different each time you visit. The Forest of Fear component allows you to choose your way through the cursed woods and swamplands. New this year, guests will get to visit a 165-year old house that was a real life Civil War hospital and has documented haunting experiences. The graves in the cellar are only the beginning of the real life shivers you will get from this part of the attraction.
Also as part of the Blowing Screams Farm experience is the GhostRide, themed to go along with the Civil War history of the area.
Whether you choose to en-
joy the German flair at Rock-toberfest, the scenic beauty of Rock City, get lost in a corn maze or scream your way through a real-life haunted house, Rock City has all you need for excitement every weekend in October.
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