Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Charleston Oktoberfest

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When fall rolls around, it’s hight time for Oktoberfest on the coast and Charleston Oktoberfest is next in line. This event returns to Blackbaud Stadium on Sunday, October 25 from Noon- 5 PM with Oompah bands, sauerkraut, bratwurst and of course German beer.

Charleston Oktoberfest also has authentic German dancers performing, a big selection of German beers and a wide variety of delicious food. Come early, because the first 1000 festival attendees will receive a free commemorative beer stein.

Blackbaud Stadium will be transformed into an authentic Bavarian-style beer hall for the festival with big tents and beer trestle-tables. The main beer vendors will be placed on the concourse. Oktoberfesters are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn-chairs.
This Oktoberfest is organized by Charleston Battery, and they have remembered the children as well. Kid’s activities include mini-soccer games on the stadium field, a Mountain Slide, an inflatable combination game, a Hot-Shot Power-Kick game and a jump castle. Charleston Oktoberfest will benefit a local charity with a portion of the proceeds going to Live 5 News’ Debi’s Kids and The Salvation Army Angel Tree.

The 2009 Oktoberfest Corporate Challenge, the German Cup, will take place with local teams competing in tug-o-war, barrel races, three-legged races and bratwurst eating competitions. This sounds like great entertainment!

Tickets to Charleston Oktoberfest 2009 are only $5 in advance ($7 day of event) and can be purchased at the Blackbaud Stadium box office or by calling (843) 971-4625 (843) 971-4625, tickets are also available online at www.charlestonbattery.com. There is no charge for parking; for more information or for directions to Blackbaud Stadium call 971-4625 or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

Charleston Oktoberfest is presented by The Charleston Battery with additional support from 95 SX, The Wolf 96.9 and WTMA 1250.
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Reggae Nights – Charleston, SC

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Even though summer is over, the Reggae Nights summer concert series is coming up on the last and final concert for the summer on Saturday October 17, 2009, at Wannamaker County Park. This time Reggae Infinity is performing. This is the last chance to attend Reggae Nights, the Summer Concert Series of the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission, for this season, so don’t miss out.

Reggae Infinity was formed in 1996 in Columbia, SC and consists of four members who hail from all around the Caribbean islands. They have four upcoming events in October alone including their stop in North Charleston for Reggae Nights. They have recorded a number of original songs with a strong spiritual foundation and are appropriate for all age groups.

The gates open at 7:30 pm and music starts at 8:30 pm. Admission is $8.00 or 5 books of Greenbax. Children 12 and under enjoy free admission. Annual Gold Passes will be honored.

For more information and detailed schedules and locations visit www.ccprc.com or call 843-795-4Fun.

South Carolina

Latin American Festival 2009 – Charleston, SC

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When the air is cooling off, it’s time to turn up the heat. Now you can celebrate Latin American music during this special festival where Salsa and Merengue music will fill the air. The 2009 Latin American Festival takes place on Sunday, October 4 from 12pm-6pm. at Wannamaker County Park in Charleston, South Carolina. This is a great event for the whole family.

Let the kids enjoy all-you-can-ride inflatables with the purchase of a $5 wristband, while you show off your amazing dance skills in a Salsa dance contest hosted by DJ Luigi of Latin Groove, but if dancing is not your thing, who about trying delicious, authentic cuisine from Puerto Rico, Peru, Colombia, and other Latin American countries instead.
Also explore the world in the Global Education building and learn about different cultures through crafts, storytelling, and more.

Admission is $10 or 6 books of Greenbax. Children ages 12 and under as well as Gold Pass holders enjoy free admission. Call (843) 795-4FUN (4386) for more information.

Fiesta Latina

Taste of Charleston, 2009

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The 29th annual Taste of Charleston is scheduled for October 9-11, 2009.
The three-day celebration of Lowcountry cuisine features some of Charleston’s best chefs. There are three special events leading up to the main event at Boone Hall Plantation.

• Taste – Iron Chef Competition takes place on Friday, October 9, at the Culinary Institute of Charleston’s (CIC) Palmer Campus in downtown Charleston. This event features a head-to-head battle between local chefs in CIC’s state-of-the-art amphitheater kitchen.

• Taste of the Kitchen is held on Saturday, October 10, at the Culinary Institute of Charleston’s Palmer Campus in downtown Charleston. Celebrity chefs take the stage to show how chefs do it, also CIC chefs will take participants in the kitchens to cook hands-on. Add wine and beer classes and a Taste of the CIC buffet lunch for a full plate.

• Taste of the Arts will be held on Saturday evening, October 10, at various art galleries in downtown Charleston. This event combines Lowcountry art with the culinary arts by showcase the talents of local artists while offering guests a sampling of appetizers from Charleston restaurants.

• Taste of Charleston (Main Event) will be held on Sunday, October 11, at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant. Here you’ll find a sampling of tempting food served at more than 40 of Charleston’s finest restaurants. Additional highlights; the legendary Waiter’s Wine Race, food and wine pairings, specialty and imported beers, cooking demonstrations, the Best of the Taste contest, live bands o (complete with a petting zoo).

For more than 20 years, this event has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. More than 9,000 guests are expected, so come early and plan to stay. For more information, click here

Taste-of-Charleston