You don’t have to go to Munich to enjoy Oktoberfest. The second largest Oktoberfest in the world can be found right here in Ontario and it takes place in Kitchener-Waterloo. This annual nine day festival runs from the Friday before Thanksgiving until the Saturday after, and this year it will be held from October 11 until October 19.
Kitchener-Waterloo’s Oktoberfest features one of Canada’s most outstanding Thanksgiving parades. The spectacle begins in uptown Waterloo at 8:30 a.m. and continues until 12 noon. Join the thousands of people lining the 5 km parade route from King and Erb Streets in Waterloo to King and Madison streets in Kitchener. View the colorful floats, the flamboyant costumes and the award-winning marching bands from across Canada and the United States.
(Photo Cred: https://www.facebook.com/kitchenerwaterloooktoberfest)
Later you can make your way to Kitchener’s famed Concordia Club. With a seating capacity of almost 4,000, Concordia Club has been the hub of Canada’s great Bavarian celebration since 1967. While there, you can immerse yourself in Bavarian culture. Hoist a mug of brew and propose a toast. Listen to the brass band as it plays a selection of upbeat oom-pah music. Relax and watch some German folk dancing. Feast on some delicious bratwurst with sauerkraut.
Events at this year’s festival include a strongman competition, cooking classes and art markets. Official opening ceremonies for the 45th annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest commence at 11.15 a.m. on Friday, October 11. Festivities will kick off with trumpets blaring at Kitchener Civic Square.
If you want to get a head start, you can attend some pre-festival events. On Thursday, October 10 (7-10 p.m.), the K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year will be honored at Bingemans (425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener). This event recognizes the contribution of women in the community in the following categories: Arts & Culture; Community Service; Health & Wellness; Entrepreneur; Lifetime Achievement; Professional; Sports & Recreation; and Young Adult. Bingemans will also play host to the 40th anniversary of the Blooming Affair Fashion Show on Wednesday, October 9 and the Miss Oktoberfest Gala Ball on October 4.
(Photo Cred: https://www.facebook.com/kitchenerwaterloooktoberfest)
This autumn, revel in the many sights, sounds and tastes of Oktoberfest – and hey, maybe you’ll even buy yourself a ceramic beer stein. It’s worth the drive to Kitchener. By the way, I’ll be there to report on the 2013 festival.
By: Joanne Madden
Connect with Joanne on Twitter – @TorontoJM
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