Franklin celebrates German culture at Oktoberfest

FRANKLIN — Franklin resident Ann Tonkin studied in Germany in college, so the library’s Oktoberfest “is very familiar to me and it is just a fun way to celebrate German culture. I have great memories and it’s a reminder of time there,” she said of the recent event at the library.

The Friends of the Franklin Public Library held their sixth annual Oktoberfest Oct. 6, converting the space into a cozy event venue for the community to gather. Inside, tables were out for guests to sit among the books and candlelight.

“The library is the center of the village and that is where people gather,” librarian and Friends member-at-large Florence Rouquet said.

Throughout the years, Rouquet said, they have improved the event through additions such as pretzels, wine and nonalcoholic cider.

Outside, standing and sitting tables were available for groups of any size to enjoy the event together. On the library grounds was a biergarten with food, drinks and tables.

Bratwurst, mac and cheese, potato pancakes, beef stroganoff and salad were out for guests to enjoy for dinner, catered by Frank N Dean’s, who had a red oak wood-burning chuckwagon at the event.

Apple strudel and Black Forest cakes were served for dessert.

As for drinks, the event had beer, wine and nonalcoholic options. There was an assortment of craft beers from Farmington Brewing Co. and wine from Franklin’s own Tangerine Wine. For non-alcoholic options, there was apple cider from Franklin Cider Mill.

Oktoberfest is a major fundraiser for the Friends of the Franklin Public Library and an annual community event.

Proceeds of this fundraiser went towards the ongoing refurbishment and renovation of the library and its recent reading garden, children’s and adult summer reading programs, and the purchase of DVDs for the library’s collection.

Kielbasa Kings Polka Band performed live Oktoberfest oompah music at the event.

Winners were announced toward the end of the event for the Oktoberfest raffle.

The variety of prizes were comprised of gift cards and goods from favorite local businesses.

Rouquet said her favorite part of the event is the raffle because of how the emcee announces the winners.

“When our emcee speaks in the microphone and announces the winners, it is wonderful and very funny. A lot of people look forward to it,” Rouquet said.

During Oktoberfest, the library was filled with the community socializing and enjoying the celebration of German culture.