The 2nd annual Oktoberfest celebration offered GCC students all the fun minus the beer on Oct. 15 at Plaza Vaquero.

The celebration, which takes place the last week in Septmber and the first week in October incorporated many traditional concepts derived from the original festival that took place in Germany in the 1800s.

The Los Angeles-based German group Gtev D’Oberlander, introduced Oktoberfest dances to GCC students. In between performances, individual dancers would explain the history of Oktoberfest. One dance participant, Chris Regenfuss, said, “The festival started as a wedding party for a prince in the 1800s and has been going on ever since with 5 million visitors every year who celebrate with folk dancing and drinking beer.”

The group showed students the difference between upper, middle and poor classes in the German community according to decorations and designs that were embroidered on their clothing. The group also performed with cowbells.

“Oktoberfest was a good idea because people are participating and the dancing is creating a lot of attention,” said GCC student Diana Perez.

The various booths offering food and games allowed students to support different clubs and organizations on campus while getting a taste of German cuisine. The organizations and clubs present included the Association of Latin American Students, Alpha Gamma Sigma, Campus Crusade, Delta Sigma Omicron, Pep Club, Scholars Program, Student Art Association and Students of United Nations.

The International Organization Council gave away a DVD player as a prize to any student that could guess the amount of candy in a box.

“The IOC is raising money as a fundraiser for all the clubs,” said Selin Nazarian, vice president of IOC. “The fundraiser will help the clubs have enough money to offer more events on campus.”

The Student Art Association sponsored a silent auction. The different art pieces displayed at the event were donated from artists on campus.

Other students took advantage to introduce new clubs to students. The Organization of Latinos for Higher Education was one of those clubs that provided desserts to Oktoberfest. AS Vice President Peggy Padillo said, “The club was started to help further education and help Latino students be successful.”

Alpha Gamma Sigma sold raffle tickets giving away prizes including gift certificates to the Glendale Galleria, California Pizza Kitchen, Tower Records and Patti Blissentt Creative Hair Design in Montrose. New club Delta Sigma Omicron presented “Hoop Dreams,” a variety of games rewarding winners with small prizes.

“I think Oktoberfest is great because different students interact with each other and get into the spirit,” said student Marantha Pronuevo.

The event was hosted by ASGCC.