Village Squire, 1980-10, Page 27Oktoberfest
A colour tour, farmers market
and of course the beerhalls
BY JIM HEER
You don't have to be German, or even
know what the word "gemutlichkeit"
means to enjoy Oktoberfest, held each
year in the cities of Kitchener and
Waterloo.
The nine day festival transmits a
happy, carefree feeling without a German
word spoken, although it's difficult to
resist coining the occasional phrase when
you're coached by a boisterous red -nosed
accordion player chanting old Bavarian
toasts in a crowded beerhall.
This year, held from October 10-18,
Oktoberfest in Kitchener -Waterloo offers
a variety of sporting events, theatre,
cultural happenings and traditional
German entertainment and foods, (not to
mention a lot of beer), in an atmosphere
early morning hours should not be
squandered on sight-seeing when your
first Oktoberfest stop is the Kitchener
Farmers Market.
Situated at the Market Square building
in the heart of Kitchener. the market
merchants offer taste treats including
meats, spicy sausages, fish. cheeses,
baked goods, fruits. candy and for those
with a real sweet tooth, Shoofly pie. If
you're looking for more than food, the
market craftsman sell a wide choice of
hand -made souvenirs and gift items.
The Kitchener Farmers Market, a
tradition in the twin cities, is open
every day except Mondays. During
Oktoberfest. the market opens Saturdays
at 5 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6 a.m.
After a delightful sampling of
How does 200.000 gallons of beer
Hungry? 200.000 lbs. of sauerkraut and
350.000 pig tails sound?
reminiscent of the world-famous Munich
Festival.
Over nine days, Oktoberfest captures a
cultural authenticity owing to generations
of German immigrants who settled in the
Waterloo Region.
The streets, stores and beerhalls all
take on a German facade, while the
people themselves dress in traditional
costume and convey a festive feeling of
goodwill.
On a day trip to K -W to participate in
the festivities. start the morning early
with • a quiet, relaxing drive through
southern Ontario's rolling farmland.
Autumn is often called the season of
color. and so it becomes apparent on your
journey to Oktoberfest. With each
fleeting mile, the trip is complemented by
deep red -brown leaves drifting over the
highway. A sunny morning balanced by
October's crisp winds, and you'll be in
the right frame of mind for a full day of
"Ein Prosit der Gemutlichkeit."
FARMERS' MARKET
Although a number of surrounding
communities participate in Oktoberfest.
Kitchener's market. an Oktoberfest
morning could mean continuing to amuse
your taste buds with German dishes
featured at m .ny restaurants and church
brunches.
However, if you've had enough to eat,
how about watching a little tennis,
basketball, speedskating, squash, golf,
jogging, water polo or bowling?If you feel
like doing more than standing on the
sidelines, then ask for an entry form and
join in. Oktoberfest is a time to become
active.
If you choose to avoid the physical side
of Oktoberfest, then you may like to
spend the day tripping about the city
travelling from the K -W Art Gallery on
Queen Street to the barrel jumping
competition at Conestoga College; or
from the model boat show at Bingeman
Park on Victoria Street to the stamp
exhibition at the University of Waterloo;
or from the eisstockschiesson (ice -stock
sliding) exhibition at the Rink in The Park
in Waterloo to one of the many other
events available. Whatever your interest,
Oktoberfest often has a way of entertain-
ing, so look for an information calendar
when you arrive in the morning and plan
your afternoon wisely.
THE BEERHALLS
Although the spirit of Oktoberfest is
present during daylight hours, its soul
shines brightest during the evening.
When the sun goes down in Kitchener -
Waterloo, the lights go up in gaily
decorated beerhalls and German clubs,
featuring the talents of live
"oompahpah" bands.
Oktoberfest in anyone of the accredited
festhalls means standing on tables and
chairs to sing cheers like "Ein Prosit" or
dancing a fast swinging polka on a
crowded dance floor.
Then there is the beer. So much beer is
consumed during Oktoberfest, the
festival is sometimes dubbed North
America's greatest beer festival. Last
year, a total 200,000 gallons of beer filled
bellies and warmed hearts during the
nine day festival. Adding to that
consumption figure are some 200.000 lbs.
of sauerkraut, 350,000 pig tails and
enough sausage to stretch from
Kitchener to Toronto.
If the thought of consuming that much
food and beer sends your stomach for a
few somersaults, relax, Oktoberfest has
an alternative to crowded beerhalls.
THEATRICAL FARE
Comedy, music, drama or opera are a
few of the theatrical choices available.
Die Fledermaus (the Bat) is an operetta
produced by Kitchener -Waterloo
Oktoberfest Inc., and presented in
Kitchener's new arts complex, the Centre
in the Square. Sung in English, Die
Fledermaus was created by Johann
Strauss and first performed in Vienna in
1874. If that doesn't tickle your theatrical
fancy, then how about an Octoberfest
evening with the K -W Little Theatre in a
production of Noel Coward's Blithe
Spirit. Known as one of Coward's best
comedies, the play revolves around a
widower who has remarried and contacts
his former wife one evening through a
seance. Other choices for a beerhall
alternative include a pops concert with
the K -W Symphony or a production of
Dear Liar presented by the University of
Waterloo.
VILLAGE SQUIRE/OCTOBER 1980 PG. 25