This year marked the fifty-seventh annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest from Sept. 26 to Oct. 18. The official keg tapping took place on October 10 at the Willkommen Platz Biergarten in front of Carl Zehr Square.
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Ambassador Program offers a way for people to be involved with the community through the Oktoberfest festival. It involves public speaking, media appearances, social media engagement, and participation in Oktoberfest Cares initiatives.
Oktoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo started in 1969. It was established as a civic festival that honoured Bavarian traditions and local German Canadian heritage. The first festivities started at Kitchener’s Concordia Club. This year, the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade returned with dazzling floats and marching bands. The parade began on Oct. 13 and started at the corner of Weber St. E. and Frederick St ending at Bridgeport Rd. Following their truck, the Food Bank of Waterloo Region had volunteers collecting donations as they walked behind.
Likely the origin of Oktoberfest lies in the celebration of marriage between Bavaria’s King Ludgwig the First and Therese Von Sachsen-Hildenburghausen. On Oct. 17, 1810, the national guard hosted horse races in honour of the newlyweds. A state agricultural fair was added to the horse races the following year.
In 1818, the booths began serving food and drinks, and by the late 1800’s booths became large beer halls and tents. Now, a large midway and fair is hosted in Munich, which is the largest celebration of its kind in the world. Kitchener-Waterloo hosts the second-largest celebration of Oktoberfest after the one held annually in Munich.
Onkel Hans, the big orange mascot, was created in 1974 and makes an appearance at each Festhallen event and many of the family and cultural events. Different Festhallen venues offer their own experiences, and there are dozens of Family and Cultural Events for people to choose from. Food and beverages are served up by friendly staff wearing traditional German tracht.
There was something for everyone to enjoy; whether it was lively polkas, Bavarian dishes, family-friendly fun or festival vibes.
Oktoberfest is involved with the community all year round.
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