The smell of bratwurst and the sound of polka music fills the streets as Leavenworth celebrates its annual Oktoberfest. While most people come to enjoy the food, music, and festive atmosphere, many local students experience the celebration from a different side: behind the counters, hotel desks and boutique doors.
Every year, the town of Leavenworth celebrates the first three weekends in October, as well as the Autumn Leaf Festival just a weekend before OktoberFest starts. Men typically wear Lederhosen (leather shorts or trousers) with suspenders and a checkered shirt, while women wear a Dirndl (a traditional dress) with a blouse and apron.
For students like Luke Siderius, a current 11th grader at CHS who works at a boutique in downtown Leavenworth, Oktoberfest marks one of the busiest times of the year.
“Christmas and Oktoberfest are definitely the busiest times,” Luke stated.
Even though the festival brings in crowds from across the state, Luke has noticed that smoke from recent fires has slowed things down compared to previous years.
At the Post Hotel, workers like Manzi Hernandez, junior at CHS who is currently working in the SPA department, said the festival season brings energy and plenty of guests.
“I like working in the winter because the hotel gets decorated and we have more guests, which keeps us busy and steady at work”.
Makenzi Hernandez also shared how Oktoberfest affects the flow of people through Leavenworth.
“I don’t think the smoke stops people from going to Oktoberfest since I’ve been seeing the traffic still being really backed up”.
In the hotel’s dining area, Paola Hernandez, also a junior at CHS, said she enjoys working in the fall when the things feel a little calmer before the crowd arrives.
“I like working in the fall because the weather is nicer and has a pretty view and it doesn’t get as packed,” she said, but that all changes when Oktoberfest begins.
She added that while Oktoberfest brings excitement, it can also make the town feel crowded.
Even with long hours and crowded streets, many student workers say the experience gives them a new perspective on one of Leavenworth’s biggest traditions.
“My favorite part is getting out of work and it being dark and cold,” Makenzi said with a laugh.
As the loud music fades and the festival comes to an end, workers like Luke, Makenzi, and Paola are left with tired feet but lasting memories. For them, Oktoberfest isn’t just a celebration, it’s a chance to see their town come alive from behind the scenes.
