Oktoberfest in Alpine Village of Helen Georgia

Mountain Town Celebrates Bavarian Culture for Two Months in Fall

Aug 28, 2008 Christine Nyholm

Helen, a mountain village in northeastern Georgia, holds a German Oktoberfest celebration for two months in autumn. The largest party in the southeast runs 9/11 - 11/2.

Oktoberfest in the mountain town of Helen, Georgia is a two month celebration in an Alpine style village. The two month long German party has grown into the biggest festival in the southeast, according to the Helen Chamber of Commerce website. Oktoberfest in Helen takes place September 11 through November 2, 2008.

History of Helen, Georgia

Helen is a mountain town that recreated itself as an alpine village. Prior to 1800, the area was the center of Cherokee Indian culture. Villages were scattered throughout Nacoochee, in what is now the Helen valleys. The Cherokee Indians left the area on the "Trail of Tears", to be replaced by white settlers. in 1928 Gold was discovered on Dukes Creek in Nacoochee Valley. The Helen Valley was part of the Great Georgia Gold Rush. After the miners left the valley, timber barons came into the valley. Sawmill operations took place until 1931, when all the virgin timber had been cut down.

In 1968 some local businessmen and a local artist came up with a plat to improve the town. The artist, who had been stationed in Germany, sketched some buildings and added gingerbread trim and Bavarian details.

Helen thus revitalized itself into a unique Alpine village in the mountains of Georgia. Today millions of visitors enjoy the touch of Bavaria in America.

Festehalle Oktoberfest in Helen

Helen is a picturesque alpine village whose beauty intensifies in the autumn, with color splashed mountains set off by beautiful azure skies. During the day travelers enjoy the mountain scenery or browse through shops. In the evening, people gather at the festhalle, which is within walking distance of most of the town's hotels.

Festhalle, during Oktoberfest season, is the place to enjoy authentic German bands, great food, beer and festive fun. Relax in the beer garden or spend the evening dancing the Polka and the Chicken Dance. Fresh wursts satisfy the appetite for tasty food.

Hotels fill up during Oktoberfest, so make reservations as early as possible.

Oktoberfest Parade

The Oktoberfest Parade will be held Saturday, September 13 at Noon.

German Bands

German bands play authentic Bavarian music every night that the festival is open. Bands include PROST, Lorelei und Schatzi, Al Nowak & the Edelweiss Orchestra, Ales Meixner Duo, Dan Witucky Heimarland Musikarten, Jim Horzen, Stratton Mountain Boys, Sauerkrauts, Roland Kurz, Alpenmusikanten, Edi Und Freunde.

Oktoberfest Dates and Times

Oktoberfest runs September 11 through November 2, 2008.

September 11 - September 28 the festival is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
September 28 - November 2 the festival is open everyday, Sunday - Saturday.

The festival begins at 6:00 pm Monday - Friday. On Saturday and Sunday the festival opens at 1:00 pm.

Festhalle Oktoberfest Admission Tickets

Weekdays $7.00
Saturday $9.00
Sunday Free

Where is Helen, Georgia?

Helen is in northeastern Georgia. Driving distance: Atlanta, GA 90 miles; Greenville, SC 120 miles; Chattanooga, TN 132 miles; Knoxville, TN 166 miles; Birmingham, AL 194 miles.

For Oktoberfest history and fun facts, read German Oktoberfest More Than a Beer Festival .

The copyright of the article Oktoberfest in Alpine Village of Helen Georgia in SE U.S. Travel is owned by Christine Nyholm. Permission to republish Oktoberfest in Alpine Village of Helen Georgia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.