In response to your Aug. 3 article about the upcoming Oktoberfest, last year's Oktoberfest was a very big disappointment to me and my friends as well as many seniors, so it looks like it will be again this year.

Since it's being held at the same location, Underwood Farms, I will not be attending for reasons such as the $5 admission fee, the parking lot area is very dirty/dusty, the quality of food was very poor plus they ran out on both days, and there was no strudel. It was more of a pumpkin festival, great for children but not for adults.

The last great Oktoberfest was 2004 at Conejo Creek Park and it was fun to see how crowded it was to watch people dancing and enjoying the music and eating. The lines were long and many windows were open to accommodate the hungry crowd for the great German food they always had in previous years and the famous tasty German strudel.

That year, 7,000 people were there in one day. In 2005, it took two days with paid admission to get 8,000 people there. I think being at the same place this year will not fulfill what they expect, as many were very disappointed. Listening to their remarks as they were leaving, I don't think many will return this year

I feel that maybe not having it at Conejo Creek Park, it's the way Rotary Club can make money by charging admission. Last year it was $5 and who knows, it could be higher this year. Also, because of the gas situation, many may not want to drive that far.

The organizers also don't care about the senior citizens. I know I won't be there. Violet H. Mertens Thousand Oaks