PEMBROKE — A tradition that started with a 19th-century wedding celebration will be carried on at the Germania Club, Pembroke, on Saturday, October 18, when the club sponsors its annual Oktoberfest.
Doors open at 1 p.m. at the Germania Hall, 15 Bennett Street. Pembroke Mayor Ed Jacyno, as well as other dignitaries, will assist with the official opening of the event with the Tapping of the Keg ceremony at 1:45 p.m. At this time this year’s Miss Oktoberfest, Charlotte Witt, will also begin her official duties.
The Terry Eggert band is the house band for the afternoon, providing music for dancing in between the traditional Oktoberfest entertainment, contests, and games. The Schuhplatter (traditional Bavarian folk dancers) from the Maple Leaf Almrausch Club in Ottawa will provide colourful folk dance routines throughout the afternoon and evening.
The evening dance will feature traditional Oktoberfest music by the Ottawa -based band, Schteev und die Lederhosers.
The kitchen, operated by Schmidt’s Catering, will offer traditional Oktoberfest food, including bratwurst, schnitzel, Schweinshaxe (roasted ham hock), sauerkraut, potato salad, and more throughout the afternoon and early evening.
The original Oktoberfest developed from the celebration of the wedding of the Crown Prince of Bavaria, Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. A horse race was part of the event. The following year, the race was combined with the state agricultural fair, and in 1818 booths serving food and drink were first introduced.
By the late 20th century, “booths” had developed into large temporary beer halls, complete with interior balconies, central bandstands, and seating capacities of about 3,000-5,000 each.
The original Oktoberfest is an annual festival held in Munich, Germany, lasting two weeks and ending on the first Sunday in October. Traditionally it takes place during the 16 days up to and including the first Sunday in October. However, in 1990, the schedule was modified in response to German reunification so that if the first Sunday in October falls on the 1st or 2nd, then the festival continues until October 3rd (German Unity Day).
Today Oktoberfest is the largest festival in the world. Many colourful events are part of Oktoberfest. There is also a giant midway, and there is outdoor music on the site during the festival. Many communities around the world also celebrate Oktoberfest, and many organizations celebrated on the now-recognizable Oktoberfest theme.
Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets at Willi’s Ranch, 613-732-5645; Meridian Bank, 613-732-782, and Big Bend Pottery, 613-587-4403.
For more information on Pembroke’s Oktoberfest, contact Oktoberfest committee chairman Antaire Lubitz at 613-732-0792 or by email at antcinlu@ nrtco.net, or visit www.germaniaclub.ca
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