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EVENTS

Raise a stein at Fountain Hills Oktoberfest on 9/30-10/1

Laura Latzko
Special for The Republic | azcentral.com
During Fountain Hills Oktoberfest, guests often wear traditional German clothing such as lederhosen (cq) or dirndls.


The tradition of celebrating Oktoberfest goes back over 200 years, to an 1810 marriage celebration for King Ludwig I of Bavaria. Just as common people were able to take part in the royal marriage festivities, traditional Bavarian-style Oktoberfest celebrations today also bring people together to celebrate and honor their shared German heritage (and love of beer).

Fountain Hills Oktoberfest on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 will honor old world Oktoberfest customs with a local celebration at Fountain Park.

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The event brings a taste of German culture to Fountain Hills through polka music, German food and beer and old-fashioned styles of dress.

The event kicks off with a ceremonial tapping of the keg, led by Fountain Hills Mayor Linda Kavanagh. The words “O zapft is” signify the keg has been tapped, and the festivities can begin.

The festival will feature different flavors of imported German beer, including traditional Oktoberfest Bier, Pilsner Dunkel and Hefeweizen.

This year, guests can try two new beers, the limited edition Red Bock and the grapefruit-flavored Fizzy German beers.

Christine Colley, event chair for Fountain Hills Oktoberfest, hopes to give Valley residents an authentic Oktoberfest experience, down to the blue and white tablecloths.

“We pride ourselves in being the one with the most tradition, and that brings the customer that really connects with the tradition, that connects with Germany, that connects with the food, that likes the music,” Colley said.

Those who want to try something new – or who miss the tastes of home – can try foot-long bratwurst, turkey legs, potato pancakes, schnitzel, sauerkraut, apple strudel and hand-rolled pretzels.

Members of local organizations such as the Sons of the American Legion and Four Peaks Rotary will help to prepare and serve the food.

Die Echten Waldbuam, a four-piece band from Germany, returns to play traditional polka and country rock music on both days.

During Fountain Hills Oktoberfest, guests often wear traditional German clothing such as lederhosen or dirndls.

The group specializes in the two-step oompah and accordion-based Cleveland polka styles. Listeners will hear instruments such as the traditional 12-foot-long alpine horn, the accordion, the clarinet and the trombone.

Colley said the band’s more varied repertoire this year will make the music more engaging for people of different ages.

“We hope that we will attract some of the younger people that are into the modern music but will gain an appreciation for this tradition,” Colley said.

Colley, who originally hails from Germany, said the music takes her back to Oktoberfest celebrations from her past.

“That [music] brings a little bit of that memory back, and I’m happy to be able to share it with so many people,” Colley said.

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Guests will be encouraged to take the dance floor and show off their best polka dance moves, and Clucky the Chicken will lead dancers in a rendition of the Chicken Dance.

Attendees can get in the spirit of the holiday by donning traditional clothing such as lederhosen or dirndls, styles of clothing traditionally worn by working men and women.

“Today in Germany, I don’t think there’s anybody who doesn’t wear a dirndl, the traditional Bavarian dress, or lederhosen when they go to Oktoberfest,” Colley said.

During the local event, guests can take part in bier stein holding, alphorn-blowing and best-dressed contests.

For children, the Oktoberfest celebration offers an interactive area with bounce houses and a rock-climbing wall.

Proceeds from the event will go to high school, community and veteran-focused projects.

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Fountain Hills Oktoberfest

When: 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

Where: Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills.

Admission: $5 general admission, free for children under 12 and guests wearing dirndl or lederhosen.

Details: 480-816-5185. fountaineventsaz.com.