On September 28th, Delmar Gardens of Chesterfield and Chesterfield Villas transformed into a festive fall wonderland for our annual Octoberfest celebration. Residents, families, and community members came together to enjoy a day full of laughter, music, and connection, making this year’s event one of our most memorable yet.

Fall Festivities for All Ages

From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted by the cheerful sounds of lively polka music performed by local favorite ÜBERCOOL and the aroma of hot dogs, pretzels, German potato salad, and warm apple strudel. The laughter of families and residents filled the courtyards, creating a joyful atmosphere that perfectly captured the spirit of fall. Bright décor, smiling faces, and plenty of guests dressed in traditional German attire added to the authentic Octoberfest feel.

A lineup of local vendors offered tastings of craft beers and regional wines, giving guests the perfect way to raise a glass to the new season. Between the delicious food, good company, and festive spirit, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Special Guests & Unforgettable Moments

The highlight for many guests was the special appearance of Ace the Clydesdale from JFP Equine. Visitors stopped by to say hello, admire his festive fall accessories and give him a gentle pat. To make the day even more special for younger guests, the event also featured pony rides and a petting area where children could interact with smaller horses. The smiles on their faces said it all.

Stray Rescue of St. Louis also joined the celebration, bringing along their lovable four-legged friends to meet residents and guests. Their fosters were all smiles (and wagging tails!) as they soaked up attention, hoping to find a forever home.

Adding even more excitement to the day, local firefighters stopped by with their fire truck, inviting kids to climb aboard, explore, and learn about the important work they do. It was a fun and educational moment that quickly became a crowd favorite — and another reminder of the wonderful community partnerships that make events like this possible.

Games, Contests & Good-Natured Fun

Of course, no Octoberfest would be complete without a little friendly competition. Residents and guests tested their strength and determination in the stein-holding contest. Then for those who preferred lighter activities, there were lawn games, raffles, and prizes to keep the fun going all day long.

Families gathered at the KinderFest Corner, a dedicated area for little ones to enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, games, dance contests, and prizes. Children’s laughter echoed across the grounds as they lined up for face painting and posed for silly photos in the family photo area.

A Celebration of Community

The most heartwarming part of the day was seeing residents and families celebrating together. As a fully complimentary event open to the public, Octoberfest welcomed visitors from across the St. Louis community. It wasn’t just an event; it was a reminder of the strong sense of belonging that defines our community.

Until Next Year—Prost!

As the event came to a close, we were filled with gratitude for everyone who made this event possible — our dedicated staff and volunteers, our local vendors and partners, and the families who joined us to celebrate. Events like Octoberfest remind us of the power of community and the joy that comes from bringing people together.

We can’t wait to raise a stein with you again next year! Cheers to another wonderful Octoberfest at Delmar Gardens of Chesterfield and Chesterfield Villas!