By Melissa Smalley
It's time to dig out your lederhosen and dirndl from the back of your closet – Oktoberfest in the South Cariboo is just around the corner.
This year's celebration of all things German is set for the 108 Community Hall on Oct. 1, and promises great food, upbeat music and plenty of fun.
Organizer Ingrid Meyer says the event is following on the heels of last year's inaugural Oktoberfest celebration at the 108, which was a “great success” with 130 revellers in attendance.
“In the past, there has been many different types of Oktoberfest in the South Cariboo, but there hadn't been one for many years, which is why the 108 Mile Lions and the 108 Mile Ranch Community Association decided to hold one last year.”
This year's festivities get underway at 7 p.m. – doors open at 6 p.m. – and will include a traditional Bavarian feast, including schnitzel, red cabbage, spatzle, brezel and dessert.
After dinner, there will be games, including a yodelling contest complete with prizes for the winners, and dancing. Entertainment will be provided by the South Tyrolean Yodel Duo.
108 Mile Ranch Volunteer Fire Department members will provide safe rides home, Meyer notes.
“It's all together a really fun, fast-paced evening. It's just like the Oktoberfest that you would find in Munich or in Kitchener, Ontario.”
Tickets for the event are $25 and must be purchased ahead of time up until noon on Oct.1. They are available at the 108 Mile Supermarket, Donex, Central GM and the Lac la Hache Bakery.
There will be no tickets available at the door, Meyer notes.
Organizers are anticipating a large crowd similar to last year's turnout, and Meyer encourages anyone who's interested in celebrating Oktoberfest to join in the festivities.