The People's Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is in essence, one very large German themed kitchen party - something that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians do very well in their own way. This event is a natural for St. John's, a  Canadian city that is growing not just in size, but also in its cosmopolitan nature.

The original Oktoberfest was a royal wedding celebration in Bavaria, a party for the people. That's one reason why we'd like the festival in St. John's to be known as "the People's Oktoberfest." This festival has the potential to be inclusive for so many different interests, cultures, musical styles, and people in many venues within the St. John's metropolitan region. Should this event become popular, there is no reason why it could not expand to other centers in the province.
 The original Oktoberfest in Germany, has spread world-wide, Brazil, Japan, Seattle, Australia, and of course Canada. Many cities and countries that would take too long to name, There is no reason why such a successful formula could not work here - especially with our own unique flavour sprinkled generously through-out!

The Potential

Imagine the day when our festival opens with a short parade down George Street. A dozen or so people in Bavarian costume, a troop of  German Folk dancers, a troop of  Newfoundland Celtic and step-dancers. Our own jolly mascot, local dignitaries, people carrying signs or banners from local Festhall sponsors.  One or two marching bands playing a little "Roll out the Barrel"  and a horse and wagon carrying a special keg of beer brewed just for this Oktoberfest.  Down the street they roll past the far east of Harbour Drive and loop around onto Water Street via Adelaide and curl back down George Street to the George Street stage.

At the stage, the bands switch to playing the Ode to Newfoundland as first Keg is positioned to be tapped.
A short welcome from the Grand Marshall chosen that year, and the winner of a sweepstake for charity is trotted forward. Hundreds of people, (perhaps many thousands) bought a ticket for charity in hopes of winning this honour. The grand prize included free tickets to events and the right to sample the first beer from the first keg of the Oktoberfest.

That night, a main concert at Mile One, and secondary venues such as MUN, a curling club, a large hall, a dozen or so clubs in the downtown, all hosting live music. Booths or street vendors at each site provide hats, sausages, pretzels, etc...some of it in aid of charity sponsors. Perhaps George Street is fenced off and patron can purchase small glasses or steins that will grant them access to in-club specials at each establishment who participates.

On Saturday afternoon, perhaps live music on the George Street stage and an open air beer garden atmosphere on the various decks, and inside a temporary beer tent or two.

Saturday Night, another major concert at the main venue and one or two secondary concerts. Each show to run from supper hour till almost mid-night, with the after concert crowds joining the revelry at the clubs, pubs and parties afterwards.

Shuttle buses could run to all the main hotels located outside the downtown.

Sunday could feature family friendly events, and things like cook-offs, BBQs, downtown Restaurant specials and a festive closing ceremony - again, mainly family friendly fare with a farewell to visitors and live local entertainment.

All of this is just ONE idea of how a Newfoundland Oktoberfest might eventually look. It might be different, or could evolve into a longer less concentrated festival, but the Festhall model would allow a festival to grow according to the level of interest of the community.