Michael Jude was among the few Oktoberfest revelers who gussied up in German garb for Saturday's event. The Pine & Broadway entertainment district sponsored Oktoberfest on Pine on Saturday, September 28, 2019. Photo by Bill Alkofer
The Czechs lead the world in beer consumption per capita. The Germans land at No. 4 on the list.
Leave it to the Irish (No. 6) to host an Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday in Long Beach along Pine Avenue. Sean Flynn, director of operations at Shannon’s on Pine in Long Beach, has in fact made it his life’s mission to get Californians to enjoy more beer.
“I have a big heart and a big beer gut,” he said proudly.
Third Street at Pine Avenue was crowded with beer lovers who came out for the first annual event, which included dancing, music and lots of beer.
Based on an amalgamation of several beer studies, the Golden State is mired in 44th place in the list of states that drink the most beer per capita.
“I think it’s because Californians are a bunch of wine wussies,” said attendee Alex Muro as he savored his Guinness. “I’d recommend no tax on beer and an increased tax on wine.”
Bobbie Jo Dobbs of Wisconsin, which has the second highest beer consumption per capita, said California should consider offering free cheese curds to the populace, which “train the beer palate.”
The United States, by the way, doesn’t make the top 20 of beer-consuming nations.
Chris de la Rambelje’s hat pays homage to Germany. Shannon’s on Pine hosted the first Oktoberfest on Pine Avenue Saturday. Photo by Bill Alkofer.Christine Welch and David Hersbruck drink beer dressed in traditional German garb for Saturday’s event. Welch says she tries to follow the beer adage from her German grandfather: “Give me tomorrow further thirst (for beer). Everything else is unimportant.” Photo by Bill Alkofer.A beer garden guest drinks a beer while wearing a German hat. Shannon’s on Pine hosted the first Oktoberfest on Pine Avenue Saturday. Photo by Bill Alkofer.There was no Beer Barrel Polka at Saturday’s Oktoberfest but David Sepulveda and Adina Muro dance away to traditional Mexican music. Shannon’s on Pine hosted the first Oktoberfest on Pine Avenue Saturday. Photo by Bill Alkofer.Adina Muro dances to traditional Mexican music at Saturday’s Oktoberfest. Photo by Bill Alkofer.Vanessa Acosta is lead vocalist for The Vespertines, a jazz-influenced rock group from Long Beach. They were featured at Oktoberfest on Pine on. Photo by Bill Alkofer.The Vespertines, a jazz-influenced rock group from Long Beach played at Oktoberfest on Pine. The Chicken Dance was not on their set list. Photo by Bill Alkofe. rRosi Campbell hoists a brew in the beer garden. She bought her Oktoberfest outfit at Goodwill for $25. Photo by Bill Alkofer.Michael Jude shovels down a bratwurst with kraut at Saturday’s Oktoberfest event. Photo by Bill Alkofer.Event security guards secure an inflatable beer mug that had become loose from its moorings. Photo by Bill Alkofer.Craig Ursuy wears a German outfit while enjoying a beer. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
