Kimberley Arts Council volunteers have been working hard at First Saturdays this year and there are only two to go. The final one is Oktoberfest and planning is already underway to make it the best yet.
Carol Fergus from the Arts Council says that they’d like to get the whole community, and tourists, involved in the event. Special funding, in the form of a grant from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, has been received to help build Oktoberfest.
Participation from locals has always been a staple of this particular First Saturday, as it is past the usual tourist season, but Fergus says there have been tourists who attend.
“It is a lot of locals who attend, but let’s promote it,” Fergus said. “We’ve had tourists come in the past and they quite enjoyed it.
“We have some funding to expand the activities. I’m quite excited for the opportunity to see it grow.”
One of the things Fergus would like to see grow is the Barmaid Races. You don’t have to be a professional server to race.
“I’d love to see local organizations like service clubs get involved,” she said. “They could challenge each other to get involved.”
The event will open be officially opened by the Burgermeister — Mayor Don McCormick, and the challenge is out for him to wear lederhosen. Community Band conductor Ian Ferrie will play the alpenhorn, and the Steppin’ Out Dancers will perform.
There will be a children’s kazoo parade, lots of the workshops, the pretzel toss, strudel eating contest and other games, live music, refreshment garden and more.
There will be a Roctoberfest outdoor concert and barbecue with warm pretzels, bratwurst and European sausage. This will be a licensed event, but all ages are welcome and the concert is free. Later in the evening the Oktoberfest party will move indoors to a location yet to be confirmed.
Kimberley residents are asked to contact the Arts Council if they have any traditional German attire they can lend out.
“We want all our volunteers and ambassadors to dress up in German attire,” Fergus said. “We’re hoping the community will dress up as well and decorate stores as well. Let’s get in the spirit of this.