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Oktoberfest beer flows, mood grows

Photo by LAURA CONE

Wilma and Helmut Haberl dance with the German American folk dancers as part of the entertainment during Oktoberfest at Freedom Plaza.

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By LAURA CONE

THE SUN

Published: November 4, 2009

Delores Dudzik is not originally from Germany, but she said she felt a kindred spirit with Germans during Oktoberfest as she twirled on the dance floor at Freedom Plaza with her partner, John.

"People are in a festive mood and beer is flowing," said Delores, who joined a dozen German American Folk Dancers in providing entertainment at Oktoberfest.

Marilyn Cilecek, who moved to Freedom Plaza in 2004, said people enjoyed the dark German beer along with the sausages, soft pretzels and "lots of good fellowship."

"I thought it was the best one yet," Cilecek said.

Peggy Burgess, the creative consultant for Freedom Plaza, led a group in traditional German songs. Proceeds from the Oct. 22 Oktoberfest event will go toward the Freedom Plaza scholarship fund.

For people living in Sun City Center and Kings Point, the annual event typically marks the beginning of the busy season as part-time residents return from all over the country.

Rosemary and Gene Skummer of SCC are from the Midwest, and remember the glorious autumns with leaves changing colors and the chilly nip in the air from Lake Michigan. They helped entertain as part of the folk dance group.

"I grew up German back in Chicago," Rosemary said. "When they started the German American Club I jumped right in. I love the dances."

Dieter Quitsch, an instructor for the dancers, said the group meets Fridays at 6:45 p.m. in the dance studio in the Atrium building.

Originally from Germany, Quitsch moved to Rochester, N.Y., with his family in 1964. He moved to SCC in 1994.

"Oktoberfest in Germany was great," said Quitsch, who lived in Essen. "There was a lot of different folk dancing, parades and performances."

Editor Laura Cone may be reached at lcone@mediageneral.com.

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