Tom Henihan
South Peace News
At the McLennan Recreation Board’s third annual Oktober- fest, it appeared that the dress code at Elks Hall called for lederhosen, haferl- schuhe boots and alpine hats for men, while women wore traditional dirndl or landhau- smode style dresses.
While not everyone who attended the third annual Oktoberfest went in traditional Bavarian attire, most of the 154 people who attended opted for an unmistakable German style costume.
The decor also created a genuine ambiance and the beer hall benches that the organizers built especially for the annual occasion brought an added air of authenticity to the event.
The benches also proved sturdy enough to withstand the robust celebrations fueled by steins of Haufbrau beer and Jagermeister.
Seppi’s Catering prepared the meals for the event and as a mark of its success; Seppi’s, owned by Baverian born chef Hubert Maier, has already been retained for next year’s Oktoberfest.
The organizers dispensed with the buffet concept, offering table service instead. The menu offered a choice of a traditional Bavarian pork roast with speatzle and red sauerkraut, or pork schnitzel with potatoes. All meals included a German mixed salad plate.
DJDK entertainment provided the music and as a sponsor donated his services for the event.
The Oktoberfest organizing subcommittee consists of Brian Whelen, Kayla Jones, Luc Dubrule and Robert Druin, which operates under the umbrella of McLennan Parks and Recreation Board. All funds raised at Oktoberfest go towards community initiatives.
Oktoberfest organizers relied on 40 volunteers to cover everything from security to serving meals and taking beer orders.
McLennan Victory Life Church members, along with doing security, operated the “Keys Please” shuttle service to get people and their vehicles home safely.
“We would like to emphasize that an event of this type in a small community would be impossible without the dedication of our volunteers, for whom we are extremely grateful,” says Whelan.
Always looking for ways to improve and expand the Oktoberfest event, Whelen says that the subcommittee is keen to surpass this year’s success.
“We can’t wait to try and top this year’s event next October and we are always looking for event sponsors and volunteers, so if anyone is interested they can get a hold of us on our Facebook page, Town Of McLennan Oktober- fest.”
