Half of a block of downtown Aiken took on a German feel Saturday evening. 

The 10th annual Oktoberfest was held from 4-9 p.m. in the southern half of the block of Newberry Street between Richland and Park avenues. 

The event featured authentic German beer and cuisine. 

In Germany beer is brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot (purity order) which only permits water, hops and malt to be used in beer.

Ray and Anne Emery said the beer is why they decided to attend the festival. 

The event also featured a band playing traditional German songs using an accordion and two woodwinds. 

Lynn Burkes and Nancy Kierspb said their families came to the United States from Germany and they wanted to experience some traditional German culture to remember their inheritance. Both wore traditional German dresses to the event. 

The event also featured a stein-hoisting contest with categories for men and women. 

The Oktoberfest celebration marks the beginning of a series of fall events for the Aiken Downtown Development Association. Upcoming events include Fall Fest on Oct. 28, Holiday Open House and Pink Friday on Nov. 17, Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25, the Night of 1,000 Lights on Dec. 7 and Ladies Night Out Sip and Shop on Dec. 14. 

For more information about the Aiken Downtown Development Association or its upcoming events, visit aikendda.us.