Hudson Valley Oktoberfest to Be Subject of Documentary Film

The Germania club of Poughkeepsie will be hosting their annual Oktoberfest celebration starting on Friday. It will run through the weekend, and this year the party will be captured by documentary filmmaker, Jan Mueller from Germany.

Mueller says he's been fascinated with how Americans celebrate their heritage and decided to follow the Gemania club of Poughkeepsie while they prepare for this year's Oktoberfest.

The annual party is one of the Hudson Valley's largest authentic Oktoberfests, with 300 volunteers working throughout the week, cooking authentic German foods and desserts. They will also be serving the same beer that's served in Oktoberfest tents at the world famous celebration in Munich. The Germania club has been operating in Poughkeepsie since 1850.

Mueller will be on hand throughout the weekend filming club members and visitors who come to share in the celebration.

German dancers, musicians and entertainers will be showing off their skills for the crowds. And, just like in Germany, kids are more than welcome to join their families at the Germania Oktoberfest. There's a special "kinder" playground right next to the beer tents that will feature clowns and other entertainment throughout the weekend.

Mueller hopes to capture footage of everyone coming together to celebrate German heritage in Poughkeepsie for what could turn into a TV special or part of a larger documentary about other cultural celebrations in America.