Area Oktoberfests a hit with those in search of beer, brats and good times

It might not have felt much like an Oktoberfest, with temperatures climbing into the mid-80s by midday on Saturday, but that didn't stop those who attended either of the area's two German-styled festivals from "getting their brew on" or sporting their lederhosen.

"I definitely think they've outdone themselves this year," said Jesse Gavigan, who was, in fact, wearing the traditional H-shaped suspenders and shorts at Port Royal's OktoPRfest on Saturday.

As festivalgoers strolled Paris Avenue checking out vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to cedar furniture, accordion music filled the air.

Now in its second year, the festival featured an adults-only craft beer tasting on Friday night at The Shed and a family-friendly street festival complete with live music and a children's play area on Saturday.

Gavigan, a Port Royal resident whose company, Gavigan Entertainment, was also emceeing Saturday's portion of the two-day event, said the relatively new festival was a great way for the community to introduce itself to visitors.

"It's just a good thing," he said. "You can really feel the camaraderie of the town coming together."

As the heat intensified, many, like Adam and Natasha Duncan, sought refuge under nearby shade trees.

The couple, along with their 2-year-old, Ava, had driven from Mount Pleasant looking for something to do in the area "just for the day."

"It's been really nice," said Natasha, adding that the family was planning to explore the area after the festival.

"We've never been to Beaufort," Adam added. "What places would you recommend checking out?"

Oktoberfest in Bluffton

A classic car show and a green space doubling as a soccer field were among the big hits at Bluffton's Oktoberfest held in Bluffton Village, off Bluffton Road on Saturday.

As adults sampled various beers and munched on bratwurst and sauerkraut in the "biergarten," kids practiced their goal shots nearby.

The 11th annual event received an estimated 2,500 visitors -- close to last year's festival -- according to organizer Mary O'Neill.

Another hit was the trackless train circling the parking lot.

"People loved that," she said. "Especially the kids."

Follow reporter Mindy Lucas at twitter.com/MindyatIPBG.

Related content:

• A Tale of Two Oktoberfests -- Bluffton and Port Royal to host German-styled festivals this weekend, Sept. 23, 2015
• Art Notes: Rejoice! The Beaufort County fall is packed with music and exhibits, Sept. 24

This story was originally published September 26, 2015 at 8:01 PM with the headline "Area Oktoberfests a hit with those in search of beer, brats and good times."