This weekend is Oktoberfest in downtown McKinney! This is the first year for the city to host a full blown Oktoberfest. There was a lot of activity on the downtown square. There were two stages set up, one on the North side of the square and one on the South side. The dancers were already at it by the time we arrived at noon. There were a lot of cute little boys and girls (and some adults) involved in the dance routines.
They performed the handkerchief dance...
and various other dances (no sign of the chicken dance yet!)
When it came time to eat all the "traditional" German food places had lines wrapped around the square and we had to purchase "tickets" (no cash accepted). We heard a rumor that Hamm's meat market was serving sandwiches so we headed down a side street towards Hamms'.
On the way to lunch we passed the petting zoo and pony rides (what would a good ole' fashioned Oktoberfest be without horseback riding?)
They all had their mains braided - just like the other little German girls on the square!
Hamm's is an old fashioned meat market that has been on the square for years. (Family owned - and very friendly people.) We all opted for the bar-b-que brisket...Miss Janice decided on the pulled pork sandwich. 
There wasn't any seating outside of Hamm's but the antique market across the street had a large umbrella and a few tables outside. They've been re-doing their windows and enlarging their space. Soon they'll have the third floor open and Herby's Soda Fountain will open again with a whole lot more room.
We all enjoyed our lunch. I think Miss Jennifer is tired of being an Ike evacuee and she's hoping to have her electricity back on by tomorrow, but she'll have to look on the website before she leaves to see if she's connected again. (Otherwise...more time away from Houston.)
This guy was performing on the stage on the North side of the city and he had a great German accent! Everyone that walked by he hollered at them to dance!
There were several vendors on the square and this one looked very interesting. German clothes. They were up from Fredericksburg for the event.
It appeared they were selling "updated" German ware. I'm not sure a "Haus Frau" would be wearing this around some small town Germany! A little too short. However....
I did find these really cute "heart " Leidehosen for Margrit. ONLY $69.
I also thought this dress was cute. More traditional ware. 
As we left these guys were playing and they mentioned the Chicken Dance...still never saw/heard it while I was there.
I found this guy sitting under a shade tree - I think he'd had enough polka in the hot Texas son!
Lots of "interesting" Germans were found walking about....
Some real...some not so real!
All in all...I think Miss Janice had a great time - she's happy!
This is her "don't take my picture" look - but it holds no sway over me - so give me that look any way! I ain't skeert!
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