For those that love to celebrate Oktoberfest with good food, great entertainment and real German flare then the annual event at Billy Bowlegs Bar and Grill in Silver Springs Theme Park is a must attend event. The event is held over three weekends in October and provides guests with the opportunity to celebrate the German holiday but to also experience the beauty and fun of Silver Springs Theme Park. The theme park has many new rides as well as nature walks, a petting zoo for the kids and even rides on a steamship and a glass bottomed boat. A Botanical Garden as well as several different wildlife exhibits round out the different activities and events at the park over the Oktoberfest weekends.
If you are planning to attend, start out early in order to take in the Marion County German American Club Parade that is held on the Saturday of each of the celebration weekends. After viewing the parade be sure to visit Billy Bowlegs where hundreds of outdoor and indoor tables provide ample seating and time to relax and enjoy a bratwurst and other traditional German foods. Displays and exhibits on German traditions and culture are set up around the restaurant and throughout the theme park. Volunteers dressed in German clothing will be happy to talk with visitors and provide information about the culture, country and the Oktoberfest celebration. Children can participate in a variety of activities that help them learn about German culture, plus the Alpine dancers will entertain audiences with a variety of European folk dances and music.
