OKTOBERFEST
- September 26-27
- Noon-11p.m.
- FREE
For more information on the event, please go to the event website.
Oktoberfest 2013 Keg Toss /Brian Vilmont
Oktoberfest 2013 attendants playing alphorns. /Brian Vilmont
The Edelweiss Club of Grand Rapids is hosting its 34th annual Oktoberfest on September 26 and 27 from noon-11 p.m. in John Ball Park. The whole weekend is free to attend.
Now recognized as Beer City USA, Grand Rapids will pay homage to some of Germans’ own beers. They will have four different beers from Erdinger, the world's largest wheat beer brewery. With the full menu found on the event's website, attendees can expect to enjoy various traditional Bavarian foods and treats ranging in price from $5-$8.
The club says ‘Wilkommen’ to community members of any age who wish to celebrate German heritage with good beer, good food and friendship. Barrel rolls, keg tosses, stein holding contests for adults and mug holding contests for children are some of this year's activities. Various traditional German music groups will be performing all day on both Friday and Saturday. The full schedule of activities and performers can be found on the event website.
For the novice Oktoberfest attendee, Brian Vilmont, one of Oktoberfest's trustees, states that throughout the year "German language learning [classes],dancing classes [and] cooking events" are organized to immerse oneself in the culture.
Guests can expect to be witness to the style of dress known as Trachten, clothes often worn by Germans at festivals such as Oktoberfest. An eclectic mixture of both historical garb and modern ware, festival-goers are encouraged to indulge in wearing Trachten to get in the Bavarian spirit.
The Edelweiss Club is a nonprofit, and all the proceeds of the weekend will go to Kids Food Basket.
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