Coplay Saengerbund’s Sept. 12 Oktoberfest celebration was by all measures a success, including perfect weather, a large crowd, excellent ethnic foods, a variety of German beers, good music and dancing - with a number of attendees dressed for the occasion.

The first Oktoberfest was held in Munich, Germany, Oct. 12, 1810, to celebrate the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

In Munich, Oktoberfest runs for two weeks beginning in September and culminating on the first Sunday in October. It has evolved into a celebration of history, fellowship and an effort to reproduce the Bavarian sense of gemutlichkeit.

The German word gemutlichkeit is defined as geniality, friendliness, warmth and good cheer.

The Saengerbund’s edition of Oktoberfest, held at the 205 S. Fifth St. club, featured additional imported German beers and authentic German food.

Entertainment was provided by the Josef Kroboth band, the Auerhahn Schuhplattler Dancers, an Oktoberfest singalong and Masskrugstemmen.

Masskrugstemmen is a Bavarian sport that is held in a group. Contestants hold a 1-liter beer stein filled with beer. The beer stein must be held by one arm only and with the arm completely stretched out and parallel to the floor. The contestant holding the stein for the longest time wins.

The Schuhplattler (shoe slapper) is a folk dance that began in the 11th century in the Bavarian and Tyrolean Alps. It is an entertaining, high-energy dance that includes men, woman and children.

The attendees were serenaded with a musician playing an Alphorn, or Alpine horn, which is a long-necked horn used in the Alps to send messages or simply play music.

The packed house of attendees appeared to be having a great time.

Put all of these activities together during a four-and-a-half-hour event, and you experience a sense of geniality, friendliness, warmth and good cheer - gemutlichkeit.