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Oktoberfest big success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall hosted its annual Oktoberfest event Oct. 17 at Bay View base housing to boost morale, promote welfare and provide recreation to the base and local community.

"This is our 'giving back to the community' event. It provides an opportunity for private organizations to come out and fundraise as well as create a great family atmosphere in the middle of October," said Daniel Albin, 325th Force Support Squadron marketing director and director of the event.

More than 1,200 people attended the event, and over 22 booths were set up.

"This year there was a bigger crowd, more private organizations and more activities," said Albin. "Every year the event keeps getting bigger and better."

The event had multiple units, private organizations and vendors from the community serving many commodities such as German bratwurst and beers, bounce castles, pony rides, a petting zoo, various food booths and carnival games.

"The event offered a lot of different things to do, and it was very fun," said Justin Powell, 325th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist. "I really enjoyed myself. There was a live band, good food and I couldn't ask for anything better to do with my friends."

One event was a bratwurst eating contest where contestants had eight and a half minutes to eat as many as they could. The winner managed to eat eight.

"I had a lot of fun in the contest. I never thought it would be exciting until I did it," said Staff Sgt. Michael C. Scanlon 325th Communications Squadron unit training manager and winner of the competition. "I would have eaten more brats if it wasn't for that foot long sub I had earlier that day."

When Oktoberfest first started it was more of a car show, but it has morphed into what it is today throughout the eight years Tyndall has been hosting it, Albin said.

"I think it was good for morale and good for families, from the base and the community, to go out and have a good time," said Powell. "I know I will definitely be attending it next year."