Despite tornado, Helen Oktoberfest a 'go'

HELEN - Despite a tornado that caused extensive damage to parts of the town a few weeks ago, Helen's annual Oktoberfest begins a seven-week run Thursday.

According to the Helen Chamber of Commerce Web site, the kickoff parade will be held Saturday. Oktoberfest will continue on weekends through September and then daily through Nov. 5.

The twister, spawned by Hurricane Katrina, struck Georgia's Alpine Village just after midnight Aug. 29. It did extensive damage to the top floor of the Econo Lodge and damaged a number of businesses on the south side of town as well as the city sewage treatment plant. But, the center of town was spared.

On a tour of the damage two days later, Gov. Perdue emphasized that the tourist-dependent town was "open for business."

The two-month celebration features "authentic German bands, food, beer, and fun."