Steve Smith, Dave Reilly and Annemarie Trees arrived at the Bavarian Inn, ready to celebrate Oktoberfest, on Sunday. Toni Milbourne

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Hundreds of people returned to the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown for the annual Oktoberfest celebration held Sunday. The popular attraction had been canceled for the past two years due to the restrictions from the Covid pandemic, shared Christian Asam, whose family owns and operates the inn.

“My parents started Oktoberfest in 1977, the first year they owned the inn,” Asam said. “Now it is definitely a tradition,” he added sharing that not only do visitors and locals look forward to it, but the staff and his family do as well.

“It has grown over the years,” Asam said, saying that in the earlier years, the property could contain all of the guests, including the parking.

“Now as we have grown, we have reached out to our friends at Shepherd University to use their parking lots,” Asam explained. “We have three shuttles that run throughout the day.”

Those heading to the Oktoberfest event come for all sorts of reasons. The event, one that is family-friendly, offers a little bit of something for everyone. Asam said that two main draft beers, Spaten and Franziskaner are served as well additional assorted beers, wines and ciders. A kid’s play area draws the attention of the younger celebrants while the Eidelweiss Band Washingtonian Dancers provide enjoyable entertainment for those of all ages. Arts and craft vendors were arranged around the grounds for shopping opportunities and seating allowed visitors to enjoy all the festival had to offer.

The Eidelweiss Band performed at Oktoberfest on Sunday afternoon at the Bavarian Inn. Toni Milbourne

“We’ve been coming here for over 10 years. Oktoberfest has become sort of a tradition for us,” said Manassas, Va. resident DeeDee Blackford, mentioning she and her husband enjoy the authentic band and dancers as well as the beautiful area.

Milt and Sue Brunner enjoyed their first Oktoberfest at the Bavarian this year, although Milt is not a stranger to the location.

“I visited here 35 years ago and fell in love with it,” Milt said.

“He kept talking about it so last year I decided to plan a weekend,” Sue said, sharing that she selected the Bavarian for their 16th anniversary.

“It’s a unique and charming place,” Milt said, as Sue shared that they are planning to start an Oktoberfest celebration in their home neighborhood in Seaford, Del.

Sue and Milt Brunner enjoyed spending part of their 16th anniversary weekend attending the Bavarian Inn’s Oktoberfest celebration this past Sunday. Toni Milbourne

Annamarie Treese and Dave Reilly, from Altoona, Pennsylvania, shared that they come every year and have for approximately 20 years. Originally from Germany, Treese comes in costume to share in dancing and other Oktoberfest activities. This weekend, they were joined by local Kearneysville resident Steve Smith who said that he just loves the ambience of the event.

Sunny skies and seasonable temperatures were likely a help in making the 2022 Oktoberfest one that Asam said mid-day was on track for being the largest attendance on record.

Hundreds of celebrants turned out to enjoy the return of Oktoberfest at the Bavarian Inn. Toni Milbourne