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Oktoberfest set to roll

It’s time to lace up the lederhosen and roll out the barrel – the Airdrie Knights of Columbus Society’s Ocktoberfest at the Airdrie Town and Country Centre (T&C) is just around the corner.
Oompa-pah
Bavarian Franz and Sudtiroler Danny entertained guests at the first Oktoberfest, hosted by the Airdrie Knights of Columbus Society in 2017, and are back Oct. 13 to get people up on their feet and dancing at this year’s event.

It’s time to lace up the lederhosen and roll out the barrel – the Airdrie Knights of Columbus Society’s Ocktoberfest at the Airdrie Town and Country Centre (T&C) is just around the corner. After the City of Airdrie assumed the responsibility of operating the T&C in January 2016, the Knights of Columbus needed to come up with a way to raise funds to support the various charities to which it donates, said Mike Perri, chair of the Oktoberfest planning committee. Since no one else was holding an Oktoberfest event, Perri added, the society decided it would be a perfect addition to the community. “A few of us kicked around a few ideas and thought of doing an Oktoberfest,” he said. “We actually did a Halloween thing for three or four years, about 15 years ago…but we thought an Oktoberfest might get a little better response from the community.” The inaugural event in 2017 attracted about 160 guests, raising approximately $2,000 for the society. Perri said, with a maximum capacity at the T&C of 300, they are hoping to raise even more this year. “The hall can hold more, but not have a dance floor. We find with the live band, a lot of people do want to get up and dance,” he said. Back this year is Bavarian Franz and Sudtiroler Danny, with their fun and lively brand of German polka and folk music. And it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without beer – Airdrie’s Fitzsimmons Brewing Company, 948 Brewing Company and Thumbprint Craft Beer will be pouring pints of their distinctive wares throughout the night, Perri said. “Fitzsimmons will actually have some kegs on site. They’ll run a little booth in the corner and have beer on tap,” he said. “Thumbprint will bring some craft beers from other breweries, and will bring a few traditional beers, as well.” Door prizes have been provided by the sponsors, including a prize for the guest who comes in the best Oktoberfest garb. Last year’s competition was fierce, according to Perri, with approximately 20 couples in full German costume vying for the top prize. Guests will also partake of a meal, which includes German traditional fare such as bratwurst and sauerkraut. “We’re also going to have fresh-baked pretzels,” Perri said. “They’ll be baked right there, in the kitchen, so they come right out of the oven, straight to the table." Proceeds from a 50/50 draw will go to local charities, as will any other money made at the event. The Knights of Columbus Society is a Catholic men’s organization, which has operated in Airdrie since 1982 and currently boasts a membership of approximately 200. Tickets to Oktoberfest are $40 and can be purchased online at airdrieoktoberfest.ca or in person at Fitzsimmons or Thumbprint.


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