Crowds form for Perdido Key Oktoberfest

PERDIDO KEY, Fla. (WALA) - Crowds turned out in Perdido Key for the 2012 iteration of the city's Oktoberfest, which celebrates German heritage and enjoying life.

The festival is held on Oct. 5 and 6 and features traditional German food, drinks and live music as well as plenty of games and activities for all ages.

Organizers set up everything from beer sampling and bratwurst eating to kids events and unique German competitions.

Josh and Kat Thompson are from California and like to compete against each other. They both held up mugs filled with water for nearly 5 minutes.

Josh Thompson won.

"This is our first time being here. It's quite a blast! Josh got me but my elbows locked up and I went kind of numb. He wouldn't quit until I did," said Kat Thompson.

The event also features numerous vendors, plus prizes for best male and female costumes.

Dawn Jalomo and Rosele Walkiwitz said the event provided a boost to their jewelry business.

"Since we're a new business people just don't know where we're located. This gives people the chance to see what we have and come back to our store," Jalomo said.

For some, the event was all about the music.

Leonard and Larry Sind say they like to bond by getting up on stage and playing instruments.

"We have a lot of fun together. We've also got other people with us and I wish they were here because they're missing out. It's a really good time," said Leonard Sind.