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Oktoberfest

Roll Out the Barrel – Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is Here!

(Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada – October 8, 2010) – Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest opened to fanfare, friends and flowing beer this morning, kicking off the 42nd edition of Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival!

The Official Opening Ceremonies and keg tapping took place at Kitchener’s Civic Square this morning as thousands of chicken-dancing spectators celebrated the return of the nine-day festival. Newly crowned Miss Oktoberfest 2010, Meghan Hennessey, joined in the festivities as did Onkel Hans, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest’s lovable goodwill ambassador. The Opening Ceremonies also included a performance by Grammy-Award winner Walter Ostanek, who led the crowd in a rousing chorus of traditional Oktoberfest songs.

Miss Oktoberfest and Festival President Paul Buttinger tapped the ceremonial keg and opened the festivities. City Mayors Carl Zehr and Brenda Halloran joined in the Opening Ceremonies, as did representatives from local police and fire departments; as well as, K-W Oktoberfest Inc. organizers. As the keg was tapped the festival was declared open, beginning nine-days of festivities across the region.

The Region is preparing for more than 700,000 festival goers during this international event. German-Canadian Clubs – or festhallen – throughout the region are looking forward to offering the German music, food, and culture that is at the heart of this Bavarian festival.

New initiatives for 2010 include two new festhallen bringing the Spirit of Gemuetlichkeit to the cities of Cambridge and Elmira for the first time, the Jack Link’s People’s Choice Ein Prosit Award (which lets festhallen participants vote for their favourite polka band by text message voting), and The Oktoberfest Downtown Experience, which expands the excitement and activity of the Opening Ceremonies into three full days of programming. King Street will remain closed around Kitchener City Hall as festival participants enjoy lots of family events and great experiences, including Grillefest, a Midway and Carnival Games, and a Children’s
Keg Tapping!

Traditional highlights and favourites are back this year, including Oktoberfest Idol, Rocktoberfest9, the Great Oktoberfest Barrel Race, and the Oktoberfest Car Show; not to mention the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade on Monday, October 11.

For complete Oktoberfest information please visit the Official Oktoberfest website.

Keeping you Entertained!!!
Remember it is Oktoberfest, not Octoberfest!!! It doesn’t really matter how you spell it, just get out and celebrate Bavarian style!!!