Old World party time

It’s back — beer, people dressed in lederhosen, dachshund races — and more beer.

Yes, Oktoberfest has returned to the Old World Village in Huntington Beach, and the city is more than ready for it.

The fest opened Sept. 10 and will continue through Oct. 29, with free admission Wednesdays and Thursdays and family Sundays. The rest of the weekend, though, goes to the over-21 crowd.

Bring the kids by from 2 to 7:30 p.m. on Sundays for bounce houses, dog races and carnival fun at Kinderfest. Don’t worry — parents won’t easily get bored, Old World founder Delores Bischof said, especially once they witness the contortionist twins.

“I get choked when I see what they can do with their bodies,” Bischof said.

But wait, there’s more.

See the Jaegermeister Girls lead one of many Chicken Dances every day, follow the Zillerthaler Wedding March and dive into a hot plate of bratwurst, potato salad or apple strudel.

German folk band Klaustaler will be performing at various times as will the city’s clogging group.

And, of course, there is the beer.

With a collection of imported beers, the atmosphere at the festival will give people something to sing about, and there are songs prepared just for that.

With a beer stein in hand, chant along to “Eins, Zwei, Drei, g’suffa” the drinking mantra of Old World, just another part of the center’s rich history.

Begun in 1978 by Delores and Josef Bischof, who built Old World, Oktoberfest has taken on a life of its own, becoming a staple of the community in past and present generations.

“A lot of people who know us from when they were brought here at 15 [years old] and now they are 21, they come and enjoy the food and drink,” Bischof said. “I can’t believe how many years have gone by, but they have.”

It’s been 28 years since Old World Village first celebrated Oktoberfest with the public, and not much has changed.

As the years have gone by, the Bischof’s children, Bernie Bischof and Cindy Kasko, have taken on increasing responsibility in the daily running of the center and the festival.

“Well, I was born and raised in the business,” Kasko said. “I was about 13 when I began working as a hostess and other things.”

Bernie now manages the family restaurant in Old World, and Cindy was behind much of the planning Oktoberfest this year and in years past.

“We’re one big family over here,” Delores Bischof said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Visit the online site for directions, the history behind Oktoberfest and free admission coupons at www.oldworld.ws.