It makes sense that the Winter Parktoberfest , welcoming festivalgoers for its second year on Sept. 6, would be the brainchild of a polka bandleader.

His name is Rick Kissinger, and when he joined the Winter Park Rotary Club in 2024, he wondered why the city didn’t have its own Oktoberfest event.

“Every vibrant city has signature festivals, so why not us?” he asked his fellow Rotarians, who at first found the idea a little out there.

“But after six months of persistence — and more than a little convincing — a small team finally came together to give it a try.”

Don your best dirndl and come for the gemütlichkeit (good cheer and community spirit) at Winter Parktoberfest on Sept. 6, at Mead Botanical Garden. (Courtesy Oviedo Photo Club)

They pulled it together with just a couple of mon

See Full Page