Fort Meade’s recipe for winning over incoming employees: German sausage, free bowling and carnival rides.
The fort is using its annual Oktoberfest as a way to market itself and the region to employees possibly relocating due to Base Realignment and Closure.
“The benefits of using Oktoberfest is to showcase the benefits to employees and the quality of life at Fort Meade,” said Jennifer Downing, spokeswoman for the Army installation.
There will be typical Oktoberfest fare – German cooking and music, a carnival and games – but there will also be a Family Day geared toward future BRAC employees who will be able to use recreational facilities on the fort, such as the bowling alley.
Officials from several state departments and from Howard and Anne Arundel counties will also be there to tout what the region has to offer. Most of the BRAC employees will be coming from Virginia.
“Ultimately, those families will select where they want to live and work,” said Kent Menser, Howard County’s BRAC coordinator. “We’re working with other counties under the lead of Anne Arundel on transition planning for future employees.”
Oktoberfest is one of many recent outreach efforts to future employees. Though opposition to BRAC relocation to Fort Meade is far less than those moving to Aberdeen Proving Ground, county officials are still making concerted efforts to bring new employees to this area.
Anne Arundel and Howard counties recently set up booths at the Defense Information Systems Agency’s family day in Arlington, showcasing each county’s school system, neighborhoods and services.
“We saw a marked increase of attention from DISA employees, with hundreds stopping by to get information,” said Bob Leib, Anne Arundel’s BRAC coordinator. “[BRAC] is coming, and people are getting more interested.”
Downing said Oktoberfest wasn’t a direct outreach despite the event’s “Destination: Fort Meade” theme, but the fort will be bringing new employees on the fort for guided tours.
“We’re hoping people come to Oktoberfest so we can showcase Maryland and our surrounding communities,” Downing said.
IF YOU GO
Fort Meade’s Oktoberfest is open to the public.
Where: Fort Meade Pavilion, Llewellyn Gate on Route 175.
When: Sept. 20, 5-11 p.m.; Sept. 21, 5-11:30 p.m.;
Sept. 22, noon to 11:30 p.m., Sept. 23, noon to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free entrance, though rides require tickets
