Get your lederhosen ready — it’s time for Oktoberfest

Harvest time means it’s time to celebrate the season German style as Hermann Sons Petaluma Lodge No. 26 hosts its annual Oktoberfest on Oct. 11 at Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Ave.

The Oktoberfest features plenty of Munich-brewed Spaten beer, and dinner plates of fleischkaese (a Bavarian-style meatloaf), bratwurst or bockwurst for $12, plus an assortment of traditional desserts. The doors open at noon, with a parade of flags at 1:30 p.m. and a performance by the Nature Friends Schuhplattler Folk Dancers at 1:45 p.m. There will be a raffle and dancing to the Steve Balich Band from 2 to 6 p.m.

Those attending are encouraged to come in traditional German costumes of lederhosen and dirndls.

The Hermann Sons Hall building was built in 1931 by Petaluma’s Order of Hermann Sons, an organization dedicated to preserving German culture, traditions and language. The order takes its name from Arminius-Hermann, a German chieftain who in 9 A.D. united the German tribes against the Romans, ending the Roman domination of Germany. The Hermann Sons organization was founded in New York in 1840 and at its peak in the late 1800s, the group had 70 lodges throughout the country, reflective of the large influx of German immigrants at that time in history.

There are still 10 active lodges in California; the Petaluma Lodge No. 26 is the only one that owns its building. When construction was completed on Hermann Sons Hall, it was the largest hall in Petaluma. And for the subsequent 83 years, it has served as a gathering place for members of the German community in Petaluma as well as being available to the community to rent for events.

Tickets to Oktoberfest are $10 in advance until Oct. 5; and $12 at the door if room is still available. Children 12 are admitted for free.

For tickets, call 664-0375 or 778-8066.