Oktoberfest in Portal AZ

Late October in Cave Creek Canyon and with the colors changing in the Chiricahua mountains it was time for Oktoberfest in Portal.  Saturday morning broke clear as local participants began to gather in Portal for another Oktoberfest celebration.  Sponsored by the Sew What Club of Portal and benefiting the clubs scholarship program local vendors set up their tables and the silent auction featured baskets filled with goodies based on a variety of themes. Grilled brots, German potato salad, and home made sour kraut were on the menu for lunch as well as home baked goodies were for sale.  This years crowd was even larger and parking spilled over out of Portal and into Portal Rescues parking lot up the hill.  With families and dogs it was a great way to enjoy a nice fall day in the canyon with change in colors in full swing.  A slideshow of images from Oktoberfest may be found on the Portal, AZ - Rodeo, NM website and at Chiricahua Sky Island, Rodeo.

Saturday morning at Oktoberfest in cave creek canyon.

Lunch was brots on the grill.

Portal Arizona, Christmas Sing Along

The yearly Christmas eve gathering of the Portal Arizona residents to sing around the outdoor Christmas tree outside of post office took place this morning. Between 20 and 30 residents showed up for a communal sing-along.  After about 30 minutes the group proceeded up the road to serenade some other local residents.  This is the closest thing to a flash mob you will find in Portal.

Oktober Feast in Portal, Arizona

I received an email from the Chiricahua Sky Island, Rodeo announcing the upcoming Oktoberfest in Portal.  This is a fun event with lots of good food and activities.

"This year's OKTOBERFEST will be held on Saturday, October 23rd, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. AZ time, in front of the Portal Library and Post Office.  Sponsored by Sew What, this worthwhile fundraiser supports scholarships for local Rodeo and Portal area high school seniors.  Come and enjoy great German food at the CAFE under the sycamore trees, open at 11:00 a.m: bratwurst, cabbage rolls, and delicious salads.  Stop by the BAKE SALE and check out the wonderful cakes, pies, breads, and casseroles, all homemade by our outstanding local cooks.  Check out all sorts of great surprises at the SILENT AUCTION."

The community calendar at PortalRodeo.com has the listing. 

Note:  The times are Arizona time, not New Mexico time (that's 10 - 2 New Mexico time).  Daylight savings time will bring the times in both states back into sync.