With the ceremonial tapping of the keg, the 58th Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has officially begun. Thousands of people went to Carl Zehr Square in Kitchener, Ont. for the big event. “Because it’s Oktoberfest and I’m German!” Johnathen Lodge, an attendee said. “I love the atmosphere. I love seeing everybody, all happy and having fun and I’m a pin collector. So, I’m always looking for a new pin for Oktoberfest,” Bruce Case, another attendee said. “This is such a wonderful community event that we can all gather from all different cultures, and we can all have a beer or non-alcoholic drink and enjoy the sausage and schnitzel - love it here,” Nancy Fox, Director, K-W Oktoberfest said. Those who have attended the event before acknowledged it has changed a bit over the years. “It’s slowing down a little bit, but it’s still vibrant and people come out to it,” Case said. “Oh. It’s great. Wish it was bigger,” Lodge said. “The last years were better than this one. Before the LRT, they used to have it all over there and in a big tent, and it was amazing. And then LRT came and well, we got this.” “I haven’t been here for a number of years, and it’s all changed around. But the festivities are still coming the same as they did before,” Carl Zehr, former Mayor of Kitchener, said. Others were experiencing the celebration for their first time. They came from across Canada and the United States. Mike Spanier, a visitor from North Battleford, Sask., said he is practicing for a big trip. “We’re planning to go to Munich next year for Oktoberfest. So, we thought we’d try local, or at least Canada. Start small and get bigger,” Blair Duquette, one of Spanier’s friends who is also visiting from North Battleford, said. Some people drove hours to take part. “We live in Lewiston, New York now, so we’re right there at the border,” Dale Wilhelm, an American visitor, said. “So, we’re over in Canada all the time, and I’ve never had a reason to come to Kitchener. I knew about the name, but never really had any orientation where it was. But it’s really, really lovely. It’s nice.” Those visiting for their first time also said they’re impressed with what they’ve seen so far. “It’s amazing. A lot of fun. Yeah. My girl lived in Germany for two years, and she’s been to Oktoberfest over there. I’ve been to Oktoberfest in Florida. And the only disappointment, they don’t have real German beer,” Wilhelm said. “The event’s amazing. A lot of fun. Really, really nice people everywhere. We went to a German restaurant last night. And the food was amazing. And the beer again, was really good.” The party is just getting started. Thousands of visitors are expected in Waterloo Region over the coming weeks. Throughout the festivities, there will be activities for music lovers, children, foodies and even dogs.
