Raise a Beer Stein to Oktoberfest 2012 in Parsippany

Before Halloween arrives, there’s another not-so-spooky way to celebrate the fall: the German holiday of Oktoberfest!

While you're looking forward to dressing up in a costume and nearly getting a cavity from the candy intake, you can don knee socks and feast on bratwursts and beer.

Locally, Oktoberfest will be celebrated at Parsippany's Knoll Country Club on Saturday from 6-10 p.m. The event will feature a wide selection of authentic German foods and, of course, German beer! Admission is $30 per person. For more information and to reserve your spot, call 973-257-0122.

Modern Oktoberfests pay tribute to celebrations from days of yore. In its native Bavaria, Germany, Oktoberfest is traditionally celebrated for 16 days, and this year the fun goes from Sept. 22—Oct. 7. It is one of the most spirited celebrations in Germany, and is a huge part of Bavarian culture.

The first Oktoberfest was in 1810, as part of Crown Prince Ludwig’s wedding festivities, and has continued ever since.

Oktoberfest sends lots of Americans to the store to stock up on sausages and spirits during the celebration. Check out some native German recipes like sauerkraut and potato pancakes or unique beers during the 16-day celebration, they'll have your taste buds saying “danke schön”! You can also try your hand at grilled bratwurst with German potato salad. Finishing off the meal with a German apple strudel is also sure to be a crowd pleaser.

And of course, you can’t say auf wiedersehen to Oktoberfest without a proper polka. Here are some polka dance moves and a tutorial that will make you the toast of the celebration.

Glückliches Oktoberfest!

TELL US: How are you going to celebrate Oktoberfest? Do you have any favorite Oktoberfest foods?