Always popular Oktoberfest ushers in fall

For a taste of Bavaria, Clayton’s Oktoberfest is the place to be. Mark your calendars for Sept. 30-Oct. 2 for the Clayton Business & Community Association’s most attended weekend event.

Chaired by Mary Ann Lawrence and Marilyn Schmidt, aided by many volunteers, this event is sure to please.

The family fun begins on Friday night, Sept. 30, with the opening of the carnival. Get tickets early and save some money. Head to Skipolini’s, Ed’s Mudville Grill, the Royal Rooster or Hair’s the Place after Sept. 14 and until 4 p.m. opening day for deeply discounted carnival tickets. The carnival will be open 4-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Dust off your lederhosen and dance the “Chicken Dance” with the award-winning band, the Internationals. Or sample great German sausages, schnitzel, Hofbrau beers, schnapps and California wines. The event also features 50 vendor booths, street performances and Bavarian dancing throughout the day.

Stop by at noon Saturday to experience the ceremonial parade into the big tent for the tapping of the keg, which officially signals the opening of the event. No matter your age, Oktoberfest promises something fun and memorable.

Get into the Mudd

Meanwhile, Sept. 10 brings the last concert for the 2016 summer series, featuring the band East Bay Mudd. With a 10-piece band, including a four-piece powerful horn section and awesome vocalists, East Bay Mudd will keep you dancing all night long. The band’s upbeat and commanding take on contemporary classics, soul, funk and R&B leaves you asking for more.

The concert starts at 6 p.m. in the Grove. Come as early as 4 p.m. to stake out a spot and enjoy the last days of the summer with friends. Attendees are encouraged to pick up food from local restaurants or bring homemade fixin’s.

Taking a break

After eight years on the Clayton City Council, I have decided to take a sabbatical and not run for re-election. The past eight years have been enlightening. I have learned the ins and outs of local politics and how a city can stay solvent. I have learned that efficient government works best when there are no special interest groups trying to “buy” votes. I truly believe city governments are the truest forms of democracy in action.

With three months left to my term on the council and as mayor, I will faithfully discharge my duties and serve the people who had the confidence four years ago to elect me for a second term.

Because I have two children living out of state and three grandchildren, my decision not to re-run is in harmony with my election statements. I plan to spend more quality time with my wife Debbie and our four children. We want to tour the United States and abroad without the constraints of the many monthly meetings.

I will continue to produce the 10 Saturday Concerts in The Grove series each summer for which I volunteer my time.

As always, e-mail questions or thoughts to hgeller@ci.clayton.ca.us.