Oktoberfest will be held beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst.

"Get your tickets early, as there will be a limited number of tickets available," says a spokesman.

The Gootmon SauerKraut Band, under the direction of Jerry Goodman, will fill the Fair Barn with sounds of the beautiful alpine countries of Austria to the Tyrolean and Oberkrain waltzes. There will be special solos on the alphorns, tuned alpine bells and even the "singing saw."

"Join in for a fun-filled evening of eating and dancing along with traditional German beverages in the ambience of an authentic Bavarian Fest Haus," says the spokesman.

Three prizes will be awarded, one for the individual female and male and one for the couple that show up in the best German costumes. All beverages will be sold by the Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills, the largest club in Moore County. The proceeds from the sale will go to local children's charities.

Oktoberfest all started with wedding bells and a horse race. In October 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Theresa. The official festivities lasted five days and included parades, music, eating and drinking. The festivities ended with a horse race held on the green. In 1811, an agricultural festival was added to the horse race. In 1818, swings and a big tent were added.

Beginning in 1896 the first of the huge beer tents became a joint venture of the large Munich proprietors. Now the Oktoberfest is the biggest fair of the world and it's known worldwide. Somewhere along the way, the horse races, the agricultural shows and the like have disappeared, but the eating, drinking and dancing to the wonderful German music still continues.

Why does Oktoberfest start in September? Due to the cool weather in Germany, the organizers decided it would be better to start it in the third week of September, ending in October.

Tickets, which are $20 in advance, can be purchased at the Pinehurst Village Hall by calling 295-1900 (cash or credit card purchases). Tickets will also be sold at The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, Kings in the Theatre Building in Pinehurst, for check or cash only. Seating will be at tables of 10. Tickets include food, but not beverages. Tickets will be $25 at the door.