Raise a stein! Oktoberfest kicks off

Bavarian festival celebrates 53rd year with mix of virtual, in-person activities

BRESLAU — With toe-tapping polka and the clinking of beer steins — but no sipping because everyone had masks on — the 53rd annual Oktoberfest opening ceremony kicked off at the operations centre of Waterloo International Airport.

Friday’s event marked the start of the festival, which runs for three weekends, up until Oct. 11.

Just as it was last year, much of the festival this year will be held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the usual events will be offered in a virtual way, including the Oktoberfest parade, the Taste of Oktoberfest, and KIDtoberfest, but there will be some in-person festivities.

The WunderWagen — a 14-foot mobile stage — will bring local bands and entertainers to neighbourhoods, restaurants and community centres throughout the festival. Organizers are encouraging people to follow Oktoberfest social me- dia to keep track of the next pop-up show.

Taking the stage at the opening ceremonies, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic told the small, physically distanced crowd that pre-COVID, thousands would flock to the region every year to take part in the festival.

This year, “the spirit of Gemütlichkeit is alive and well in this COVID-safe 53rd edition of K-W Oktoberfest.”

The German term, Gemütlichkeit, is another way of describing the spirit of the community, he said. It reflects the welcoming and inclusive nature of the region.

Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry highlighted the local tourism as one of the hardest hit throughout the pandemic. She thanked front-line health-care staff for their work in keeping everyone safe, and then encouraged people to get out to enjoy all the region has to offer.

“Now is the time to help reignite our tourism sector in Waterloo Region by getting out to enjoy all that Waterloo Region has to offer with family and friends,” she said. “Let’s all do our part to help bring back jobs and help recover our economy.”

Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky also encouraged people to get out and enjoy the festivities around the region over the coming weeks.

“There’s so much to do safely in our region this time of year.”

A list of events can be found at oktoberfest.ca.