As a sign of cultivating national traditions, annual celebration of German Oktoberfest took place in Baltic Barracks on 16 October 2009.
Lieutenant Colonel Thorsten Fries welcomed all guests who came to taste traditional German beer and other delicacies, and to have a good time in a nice atmosphere. Live music played by the Band of the German Military Regional Command I from Neubrandenburg was definitely one of those elements that made this atmosphere exceptional. Their march-in was welcomed by rhythmical clapping and all pieces of music played later on were rewarded with applause.
Brigadier General Josef Heinrichs, Chief of Staff of Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE), delivered a speech and welcomed all guests again on behalf of the whole German community. Among them were Commander MNC NE Lieutenant General Zdzisław Goral, honorary consuls of Germany, Mexico, Norway, Estonia and Russia, representatives of the local police, firemen and other uniformed services, members of the world of culture and education as well as HQ members, their families and reservists. Then, he simply wished everybody a nice evening, interesting conversations and enjoyable competitions.
The most important moment of the whole evening was tapping of the keg of beer with a shout "O'zapft is"! This time this privilege was given to Honorary Consul of Germany Mr Bartłomiej Sochański, who was assisted by General Heinrichs. In this way, Oktoberfest was officially opened and exquisite beer could be tasted as well as other German delicacies.
With delicious beer, tasty food and snacks, nice music and funny competitions such as holding a heavy mug full of beer, all participants enjoyed Oktoberfest till late evening hours. When it was over, many of them regretted that the next occasion to enjoy a similar German tradition would be no sooner than next year.
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