By Heather Calhoun
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Accordian player Kenny James headlines the festivities at Octobayfest.

photo by Heather Calhoun

This year's Octobayfest, Oct. 12 and 13, celebrated German heritage with live German music, German food and beer, and arts and crafts. Octobayfest, given the name in 2001 for being a Bay Area event, was originally called Octoberfest.

Octobayfest kicked off its pre-festivities Oct. 10 with a three-hour cruise. The cruise ship left the Sundance Grill in Clear Lake with 100 people on board. The cruise helped raise $500 for the charity Friends of Seabrook. German food and drinks were served on the ship.

The annual event was held in Old Seabrook at Back Bay Market at 4th and Hardesty off of Highway 146. There were several vendors selling Halloween crafts and food, and a local area psychic gave palm and tarot card readings.

On Sunday beer was served for $1. Authentic German food and wine tasting were enjoyed by all and at reasonable prices.

The Baycomber newspaper sponsored Octobayfest to raise money for the two charities Friends of Seabrook and The Seabrook Merchant and Tourist Association.

"Octobayfest brought in over 2,000 people this year," said Rick Clapp, entrepreneur and sponsor of the event. "Mostly parents and their children attended the event providing a family-oriented atmosphere."

Saturday, local musician Shake Russell performed country and German tunes for his audience. The Czechs also played Czechoslovakia polka music for the crowd and Kenny James wooed the audience with his accordion Sunday.

"I really enjoy playing at Octobayfest and this year was a good year," James said. "This is my third year to play at Octobayfest."

"Overall the festival was very successful," Clapp said. "The Baycomber already has plans to hold Octobayfest next year in Seabrook."

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