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ard during the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee
own board over the lack of funding from the
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He wants techies to love the core
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owntown Kitchener really plugged-in, says CEO Pender, Record staff
Back then, the city centre had more than its share of vacant buildings, drug dealers and sex trade workers. “I was never allowed to come to downtown Kitchener,” Litt said. But these days Litt, the co-founder and chief executive of Vidyard, lives and works downtown. And last year Litt began using the company’s resources to introduce other tech workers to the city core, and raise money for different charities at the same time.
The initiative is called PlugInKW. The four events held last year raised more than $10,000 for local charities — House of Friendship, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, St. John Kitchen and Lutherwood. The PlugIn events attracted hundreds of tech workers to the Apollo Cinema on Ontario Street, The Boathouse in Victoria Park, Goudies Lane for a back alley party and the King Street night club Elements for a Halloween bash. Litt, 30, is sitting at a table in the former
celled “with no penalty,” says the new report, which emphasizes this good news by boldfacing these three words. The projected capital costs for the two power-plant projects totalled an estimated $60 million, and this cost has been avoided as well, the report says. A lack of sufficient demand for the thermal energy produced by the two proposed electrical generating plants meant they could have become white elephants, council was told in July. The two big, permanent power plants were to replace small, temporary plants still operating in the Hanlon Creek Business Park and at the downtown Sleeman Centre. The plant at the business park has two customers with a combined 50,000
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TCHENER — As a teenager growing up he suburbs more than a decade ago, the ef executive officer of a fast-growing rtup in the city core was told by his conned parents to stay away from the downn. When Michael Litt was a student at urrection Secondary school the core s still recovering from the crack epidem-
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fetimes
Former fire chief, treasurer, gave nd gave for Wellesley community
onald Futher of Wellesley orn: Nov. 11, 1934 in Baden ed: Feb. 23, 2016 of cancer
ie Hill, Record staff
The village of Wellesley’s mayJoe Nowak, summed up Ron her in one sentence: “he was a nce of a man. I just loved that .” t seemed a lot of people felt ilarly about Ron, former presit of Futher Bros. Funeral me and the village’s retired fire ef. He was a guy who volunteered just about everything: Lions b, Board of Trade, cemetery mmittee and he co-founded a oration project for Wellesley’s tage fire truck. He also served as the first treaer when the village became orporated in 1961. In 2010 he eived the Wellesley Citizen of Year award. “He had his hands in everyng,” said son, David Futher. was very outgoing.” Ron reflected the village’s per-
sonality perfectly. Wellesley has long prided itself on being a friendly sort of place, where a new neighbour would often be greeted with a fresh basket of baked goods. This closeness would be critical to Ron after his first wife, Mary Jane Lantz died in 1968, shortly after the birth of their third child. As a young father of three small children including a baby, Ron relied heavily on help from family, particularly his widowed mother and his brothers, Jerome and Bill along with their wives. David remembers staying on weekends with the uncles and aunts, “to give Dad a bit of a break.” Weekdays the family was together, cared for with outside help from a Mennonite woman as well as a neighbour who became like a second mom to the kids. “Everyone was very supportive of my dad,” said David. Daughter Mary Futher added tearfully, “He was the most special
father, he was an inspiration for all his children. I don’t know how we can ever live up to that standard.” In 1972 Ron married Carol Ann Kloepfer, a registered nurse who took on this little family with much love. “She was always mom, never step-mom,” said David. Carol Ann died in September 2015. Ron, like his two brothers, had grown up in his father’s funeral home and following Milton Futher’s death in 1961 the sons took over. The following year they changed the business name to Futher Bros. Ltd. Funeral Service and Furniture. In 1967, Jerome left the company after purchasing the Schreiter-Sandrock home in Kitchener. David explained the furniture store was originally a natural extension to the funeral business because in the early days, they made and sold caskets, too. In later years, the store sold furniture only, most of it manufactured by nearby plants. “My dad believed that if you ‰
Futher continued on page B6
RECORD FILE PHOTO
Wellesley fire chief Ron Futher is seen in 1999, the week before he retired. Although ‘hardened’ to death, he was very compassionate.
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TUESDAY APRIL 18, 2017
SATURDAY JANUARY 28, 2017
Rangers rally, win in shootout Josh Brown, Record staff KITCHENER — You could call it hockey karma. Three times the Kitchener Rangers have been victims of poor video review calls that resulted in goals against during a pair of losses this season. Friday night at the Aud, they got one back. Winger Joseph Garreffa was credited with a goal midway through the third period which, according to replays, sure didn’t appear to go in. The marker — his 16th — was part of a three-goal third that helped the home side rally from a 4-1 deficit to send the game to extra time, where they won 5-4 in a shootout. Kitchener was certainly due for a break, though it doesn’t make the inconsistent shot-calling any easier for North Bay to digest. Video replay burned the Rangers twice in Kingston back on Dec. 2 in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Frontenacs. And the club also watched a phantom goal be awarded to Guelph in a 5-2 defeat a few weeks later — again after video review. Garreffa’s gift brought Kitchener to within a goal of the lead Friday, and Darby Llewellyn scored the equalizer with 19 seconds left to go with rookie goalie Luke Richardson on the bench for an extra attacker. Overtime settled nothing. Both teams sent four players to the shootout, but Kitchener’s Nick McHugh was the only one who scored. It was a mental victory for the home side. Kitchener was coming off an embarrassing 5-0 loss to Erie this past Tuesday, in a game when the club mustered just four shots through the first two periods. Rangers coach Jay McKee and his staff put the lads through the B Section paces Wednesday in a brutal practice. “There were no pucks,” he said. “The message (this week) wasPaul, if you aren’t Gordon Record staff going to work hard in the game, you’re going to KITCHENER Cambridge man who work hard — inApractice.” pretended to be a woman on a dating site Connor Bunnaman prettily convinced two men to send him naked phoplaced the puck over the right tos and then threatened to publish them shoulder Battalion online if theyof didn’t give himgoalie money Juor goods. lian Sime just 2:12 into the affair One the victims handed over several for a of quick 1-0 advantage. But thousand dollars. North Bay roared back with four Stuart Varga, 31, a chief information second-period markers — intechnology officer with Correctional Sercluding a trio of tallies in one Let’s face it: Easter Monday is minute and 46 seconds — for a the most bogus school holiday in commanding lead. the entire year. And it’s high time Adam Mascherin kick-started classrooms started being open for the third-period comeback with learning when it his 29th, while Richardson upped comes around. his perfect record to 4-0 onthose the of Even season. us who aren’t The loss spoiledreligious the return getof the Sime. significance of
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Rangers defender Dylan Di Perna can’t gain control of the puck as North Bay Battalion goalie Julian Sime WEDNESDAY dives to smother the play during the first period, Friday, as the hockey gods gave one back to Kitchener.
FEBRUARY 15, 2017
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Kitchener 5, North Bay 4 (SO)
McHugh (G) NB: Brazeau (X), Vertiy (X), (high sticking) 11:34, Damiani, Kit Harland (X), Thilander (X) (roughing), Shankar, NB Penalties: Hora, Kit (high sticking) (roughing) 15:55 6:06, Meireles, Kit (high sticking) Third period 13:18 6. Kitchener, Mascherin 29 After receiving the cash, Varga Goalies: Kit (W the ph (Meireles, Llewellyn) 4:21 ued toRichardson, threaten to distribute Sime, NB (L send 2-9-0-1) 7.Varga Kitchener, Garreffa 16 (Gentles, demanded the man 10 pairs o photos of his genitals while Varga, 4-0-0-0), underwear, pretending to be Hunt, sent him photos of aShots on goalworth $380, to the sam Llewellyn) 12:36 He complied. woman. Varga asked 8.naked Kitchener, Llewellyn 15 the man to sendKit: 10-7-18-4=39 Varga, still pretending to be Ka more photos. He complied. NB: 4-17-12-2=35 (Mascherin, Bunnaman) 19:41 then demanded the man shave off Varga then threatened to publish the Evans, T.J. with Overtime hair andQuincy send it to him along photos online and distribute them through-Referees: Foster No scoring $3,300. out the man’s neighbourhood unless he sent When the man said he didn’t ha $1,700 to a parcel Chris Holmstead, Penalties: Nonepickup centre in Scarbor- Linesmen: much money, Varga increased the ough. Dustin McCrank Shootout: Kit: Mascherin (X), to $4,100. “Fearing that explicit photographs of Attendance: 7,126 Guest (X), Bunnaman (X), him would be made public, (the man) did
Blackmailer posed online as ‘Kate’ First period 1. Kitchener, Bunnaman 24 (Llewellyn) 2:12 Penalties: None Second period 2. North Bay, Poirier 11 (Shankar) 4:15Canada, (sh) pleaded guilty in Kitchener vice court on Tuesday to theft21 over $5,000 and 3. North Bay, Harland two counts of Thilander) harassment. The prosecution (McKenzie, 10:32 did not proceed on extortion charges. 4. Varga Northset Bay, Poirier 12 (Shankar, up a Facebook account and Vertiy) 11:23 dating account under the then a Tinder 5. North Bay, McKenzie 22 man was name of Kate Hunt. A Cambridge matched with Hunt on Tinder in(sh) September (Kislinger, Shoemaker) 12:18 2015, Crown prosecutor Craig Brannagan Penalties: Thilander, NB told court. (interference) 3:26, NB and then They conversed forSaban, several days
Correctional Services worker avoids jail after demanding cash, nude photos
Three-way collision
Easter Monday off too? Come on
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The one-time Kitchener Rangers prospect was on the verge of picking up his third win of the season when Garreffa’s controversial goal changed the tide. Sime was drafted by the Rangers three years back, but was never signed. He was playing in the OHL when North Bay ran into
injury issues in their crease and reached out for help. “I was quite surprised,” he said. “I had kind of moved on (from the OHL).” Sime packed his gear, headed north and hasn’t looked back. Fans at Friday’s Don Cameron Potato Night game donated 6,110
pounds of potatoes and $7,300 the House of Friendship. Next up: Kitchener heads Owen Sound to face the red-ho Attack (winners of 15 straight Sunday at 2 p.m. jbrown@therecord.com, Twitter: @BrownRecord
Luisa D’Amato
Good Friday. But Easter Monday as well? Opinion Give me a break. The celebration of the Resurrection was on Sunday. We’ve all had a three-day weekend in which to prepare and consume the big feast, visit relatives and recover from too much chocolate. There is absolutely no need for yet another day off work, especially when there is a huge and urgent task facing teachers. That, of course, is fixing dismal literacy and math scores locally that lag well behind the provincial average. According to the analysis of my colleague Jeff Outhit, who covers Kitchener-Waterloo education for this newspaper, the province has hiked spending per Gymnastics Club Waterloo Region student by 47 per member Alex cent since 2005, mostly to hire more Carnochan competes teachers so that classes can be smaller, and to pay teachers more. on the parallel bars The increase is double the rate of PETER LEE, RECORD during the Men’s inflation. Miku Yodoi and Eric Kipling kiss after getting married at the Wedding Belle Chapel at Kitchener City Hall on Tuesday. Officiant Pat Fretwell is in the background. But we are not getting value for Ontario Cup our money. Grade 3 public school provincial 1 math scores lag nine percentage gymnastics qualifier points behind the provincial average. Only 54 per cent of Waterloo Friday at Ithe other. thinkclub. that creates body is so much more polite and strong where you’re weak and vice other side of the small-town train Jeff Hicks, Record staff public students meet provincial DAVID BEBEE, STAFF bond, makes our bond st courteous. AsRECORD Canadians, that’s tracks where Jumbo the elephant versa. That’s Miku and I. We just standards—compared to 63 perwork centso well together.” On Tuesday, there wer what we pride ourselves on. So, to was famously flattened by a locoKITCHENER She’s a 31-yearmore bonds to formalize meet somebody else who’s even motive 132 years ago. old piano-playing of Ontario’s.public (The relations government’sFive years earlier, on a Valenwedding bands at the city more-so, it’s like, ‘Holy Smokes!’ On Tuesday, the Kitchener tine’s Day first date, they went out specialist from Osaka, Japan. goal is 75 per cent.) chapel after the Kiplings Their culture is so beautiful.” residents exchanged rings and for sushi in Toronto. She was He’s a 29-year-old race-car By Grade 6, only 46 per cent of another sushi celebratio And so different, said Eric. we-do’s in front of Eric’s family. going to Humber College, working fixing transmission-shop service our public school students are February can be cold. Those wondrous contrasts are the Miku’s parents were home in on her English, after coming to adviser from St. Thomas, Ont. meeting provincial standardsCanada in entine’s Day, chapel offic pillars of their love. Osaka. But he got to meet her a year earlier. Public rela“Total opposites,” Eric Kipling fallen over thetions was her passion. Soon, Eric Fretwell knows, is alway “When you are in a relationfamily on a three-month visit to saidmath. at highThat noon has on Valentine’s ly welcomed date for the ship, you try to understand the the city of shining castles, floating would Day,years. an hourItbefore heper wedcent his in 2014 was 49 and be too. happy . “Love is still in th relationship and accept the pergardens and rooftop ferris wheels. She’s a food nerd from the massweetheart, Miku Yodoi, in the 61 per cent in 2005. here,” she said. son,” she said. “Because we are “It’s so black-and-white to how sive port city of millions in the Wedding Belle Chapel at city hall. This is embarrassing, in a part from different cultures, we put in society is there — but all in a good “I think it’s like any couple. You centre of Japan. He’s a fast-movthe known for its ing, pit-crew mechanic from the jhicks@therecord.com extra work to understand each way,” Eric said of Japan. “Everyjust of look forcountry that person who is strength in technology and engineering. It’s catastrophic for a whole generation of students, most of whom won’t be able to access the power of the emerging economy without a strong grasp of math. Trustee Ted Martin said public school trustees are taking this reprimanded. Jeff Outhit, Record staff problem Trustees are NEXTseriously. EDITION Marchgarbage 3, 2017 | Distribution in Select Areas | For More Details, Contact Cathy Weisbrod at (519) 895-5552 homes, build a solid wood 2.4Each was previously and smells, among othCatherine Thompson, Record staff challenging board leaders toers. check metre fence when only a 1.8-metre for a year by their empl CAMBRIDGE — Two teachers into successful fence is required, install medians Conseil scolaire de dist Mel Shaughnessy-Daub, who KITCHENER — City practices councillorsat schools will serve temporary suspento prevent left turns into the olique Centre-Sud. The next door to the site, pointed wrestled with the issue whethsions without pay after admitwhere scores areof better thanlives expecrestaurant and store garbage in found out about the test out that three of the most collier toted. allow a drive-thru A&W to ting they helped more than a underground Moloks rather than scheme soon after, inve be built next to a residential dozen students skip a literacy Good teaching strategies sion-prone are not intersections in Wastandard metal garbage bins. and demoted them in 20 terloo Region are nearby, and she neighbourhood Monday, but test or cheat on it at a Frenchbeing decided left to chance, but are being Kooh made it clear that if “For several years a fears the small site so close to a ultimately there was language high school. with teachers by math council rejected the application measures have been im busy intersection would create a littleshared they could doall to stop it. The school board that still for the zone change, he would ed to ensure the integri situation. Councillors deliberated for whatdangerous employs them says it has taken “lead teachers.” That’s hapappeal the decision to the Ontario process by which (stand about three at Monday’s steps to prevent similar trickery pens athours the Waterloo Catholic Every other A&W and McDoMunicipal Board. tests are administered nald’s in the city is in a small mall planning meeting, before voting but would not describe those board, where students do better. “I think we’ve done our homeboard’s) schools,” the s 8-2 to allow the 24-hour drive-thru or “a nice distance away from a steps. Martin pointed out that trustees work, and we’ve done more than board said Tuesday in a corner,” she said. to go ahead on a vacant lot at It happened at École seconhave a lotSouth of other things to think enough” to address concerns ment. Ben Kooh, who owns the site, Ottawa Street at Strasburg daire catholique Père-René-deabout, too. They’re also responsible raised by staff and residents, he The board said its st told councillors that he wants to Road. Galinée as part of a scheme to told council. ized test results “bear w be a good neighbour, and has Residents fromwell-being, a number of which boost standardized test scores in for student Victor Labreche, a planner the high-quality educat adjacent homes, mostly on Rob2010-11. means making sure studentsaddressed aren’t each concern raised by hired by Kooh, pointed out that fered by our board.” Th city planners, noting he will erts Crescent, raised concerns The teachers, working as suffering from other problems that there are several other restaudeclined interviews. move the restaurant as far as with city planners about noise school administrators, accepted from increased learning. rants along Ottawa and StrasCarole Wilson, the sc possible from the homes, place and distract light pollution, the punishment delivered MonThere’s no doubt that failure drive-thru intercom on the emissions from cars idling in thethe the day by the Ontario College of ‰ Drive-thru continued on B3 ‰ Teachers continued on side of the building furthest from drive-thru, increased traffic, Teachers. Each has also been of our kids to excel in reading, writing and arithmetic is a complicated problem. But just because a problem is complicated doesn’t mean the solution has to be. University math professors have
Limber lad
DAVID BEBEE, RECORD STAFF
Waterloo Regional Police investigate the scene of a three-car collision at the intersection of Weber Street and Stirling Avenue in Kitchener on Thursday.
Local rabbit rescue gearing up for unwanted bunnies after Easter Anam Latif, Record staff CAMBRIDGE — A local rabbit rescue service anticipates a surge of unwanted bunnies now that Easter has come and gone. The cute, cuddly creatures are often an impulse purchase as an Easter gift for children, but Haviva Porter-Lush at Rabbit Rescue Inc. wishes people would buy stuffed or chocolate bunnies instead. “Without fail, every year in the three to four months after Easter we get calls from parents whose children have lost interest in the rabbit,” she said. Rabbits are the third most abandoned pet, she added. Rabbit Rescue Inc. is based in Cambridge and finds new homes for abandoned bunnies. It doesn’t have a shelter so this time of year can be especially difficult. Every year, the 16-year-old charity advocates against purchasing rabbits as Easter gifts. “People think rabbits are like hamsters or
guinea pigs, but they are much more similar to cats and dogs,” Porter-Lush said. Some people have lots of misconceptions about the fuzzy little creatures, she said. Rabbits can live 10 to 14 years, Porter-Lush said. They are social animals that enjoy human interaction and living in a safe, comfortable home. “When people get a rabbit, they just see this adorable little bunny,” she said. But when that adorable bunny starts to mature it can grow quite large. If it hasn’t been spayed or neutered, it can start to act out. Expenses for raising a rabbit can be quite high. “People do not realize the costs involved,” Porter-Lush said. Bunnies also don’t like to be picked up and carried around because they are delicate, skittish creatures, she said. Porter-Lush said the number of rejected Easter bunnies varies from year to year. Statistically, 80 to 90 per cent of bunnies pur-
chased as Easter gifts don’t survive their first year, she said. That’s because many people dump unwanted pet bunnies outdoors. “These are domesticated rabbits, they can’t survive in the wild,” she said. Rabbit Rescue Inc. recommends that people ask them for help before they consider getting rid of an impulsively bought rabbit. “We try to give people options to make it work in their homes,” Porter-Lush said. Sometimes the solution can be as simple as upgrading a small pet store cage to a large pen so bunnies have more space. Bunnyproofing cords and wires in your house can also help alleviate stress, she said. If you want to help Rabbit Rescue Inc. or test-run a bunny as a pet, consider fostering a rescue rabbit, the service says. For more information about Rabbit Rescue Inc., go to its website at www.rabbitrescue.ca.
Valentine hearts are tied in cultural knot
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Subscribe Today, call 519-894-3000 or visit www.therecord.com/Plus 2 www.oktoberfest.ca Catherine Thompson, Record staff
Johanna Weidner, Record staff
MOUNT FOREST — A naked man approached a young girl on a rural road near Mount Forest on Saturday morning,
KITCHENER — A 2 ½ metre “enchanted” tree, made with the contributions of 500 people from across Kitchener, will soon grace the lobby of Forest
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WILLKOMMEN
Greetings from
Greetings from
As we celebrate the 49th Annual KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest, it’s important to recognize the huge impact this festival has on our region. Oktoberfest provides a wonderful opportunity to partake in the finest events, traditional dining experiences and entertainment; it’s about friends, family and tradition.
On behalf of my council colleagues and the citizens of the City of Kitchener, I would like to extend a warm “Willkommen” to everyone attending the 49th annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, October 6 through 14, 2017.
THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
While in the region, we hope you will take an opportunity to explore Cambridge, visit our Cambridge Bavaria Haus at the Newfoundland Club on October 6 and 7 or join me and members of Cambridge City Council for our Community Oktoberfest Luncheon on Wednesday, October 4th, 11:30 in Civic Square. We would like to thank the dedicated staff, volunteers and generous sponsors who make Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest so successful each and every year. The Festival would not be possible without the dedication of more than 500 year-round volunteers and 1,300 community and service club volunteers to stage Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival — KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest. Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable 2017 Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest!
DOUG CRAIG MAYOR OF CAMBRIDGE
THE CITY OF KITCHENER
During this 9 day celebration, you will have a chance to experience the rich German heritage of our founders in our increasingly vibrant, energetic city. The result is an amazing cultural experience with opportunities for fun and celebration of the harvest in abundance. I would take a moment to thank all of the dedicated staff and volunteers, generous sponsors and enthusiastic supporters who make Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, the second largest Bavarian Festival in the world, so successful each year. More than 40 Family and Cultural events will be taking place throughout our region during the festival. I hope to see you and your family at the Opening Ceremonies, Thanksgiving Day Parade or at one of the many Festhallen located throughout the region. In closing, I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you to mark the dates of our 2018 festival in your calendar - October 5 - 13. That will be the 50th anniversary of the festival and promises to be an outstanding celebration. Oktoberfest ist wunderbar! Sincerely,
BERRY VRBANOVIC, MAYOR OF KITCHENER 4 www.oktoberfest.ca
CATEGORY NAME WILLKOMMEN
Greetings from
THE CITY OF WATERLOO On behalf of Council and the citizens of the City of Waterloo, it is truly a pleasure to extend a warm “Wilkommen” to everyone attending Kitchener-Waterloo’s Oktoberfest, October 6-14, 2017. Oktoberfest is a celebration of German food, music and festivities that is truly Wunderbar. Waterloo is steeped in tradition, and no other festival brings out our heritage roots like Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. The over 40 family and cultural events would not be possible without the efforts of our many volunteers. I would like to thank you for all of your hard work. Efforts like yours make our community a truly wonderful place in which to live, work and play. We hope that you will take some time during this nine-day festival to explore all that Waterloo has to offer. From world-class recreation facilities and inviting parks and trails, to excellent library services, wonderful galleries and museums – Waterloo boast a vibrant culture lifestyle our residents and visitors have grown to love. Welcome, and thank you for visiting. I wish each of you a wonderful time in Waterloo and I hope that you get to experience the spirit of Gemuetlichkeit and have a safe Oktoberfest. Prost!
Greetings from
THE REGION OF WATERLOO Dear Friends, Once again our Region is taking time to enjoy itself with the many activities of KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest. Community, sporting, cultural, and social events fill the days and offer many things to do as we mark Thanksgiving and the start of a busy Fall season. Whether you are a visitor or a local resident, there is much to do. Many volunteers are working hard to ensure we have another great Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. Relax, enjoy, and take time to reflect on what Canada has given us as we celebrate both Oktoberfest and our 150th year as a nation. Welcome to Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest 2017! Herzliche Grusse im Oktoberfest 2017 Prost !!
KEN SEILING, REGIONAL CHAIR WATERLOO REGION
Sincerely,
DAVE JAWORSKY, MAYOR OF WATERLOO www.oktoberfest.ca 5
K I TC H E N E R GERMAN ALPINE CLUB 464 Maple Avenue, Kitchener • 519-744-1521 www.alpineclub.ca
Authentic German Music & Dancers Famous for our Alpine Club Apple Strudel!
Home of “So You Think You Can Tanz” ‘Where people come for the food and stay for the friendship.’
HUBERTUSHAUS 1605 Bleams Road, Mannheim • 519-634-8491 or get tickets at www.oktoberfest.ca
FRIENDLY GERMAN HOSPITALITY AUTHENTIC GERMAN DELICACIES INCLUDING OUR FAMOUS ROLLBRATEN AND SPAETZLE JOIN US FOR A MEMORABLE OKTOBERFEST EXPERIENCE!
www.hubertushaus.ca
at the Stampede Corral 248 Stirling Avenue S., Kitchener • 519-744-1191
Traditional Food • Great Music Award Winning Entertainment 6 Time Fester’s Choice Award Winners for Best Halle as well as BEST Schnitzel, Sauerkraut, Service and Band!
WAT E R LO O C LU B S
Concordia Club
429 Ottawa Street S., Kitchener • 519-745-5617 www.concordiaclub.ca
Join us for the best Oktoberfest experience! Three Festhallen under one roof & the best Schnitzel in town! Our large tent featuring the Black Forest Band, the Main Hall with Edelweiss Trio and the Schenke Restaurant with Twin City Alpine Echo.
Tickets are only available through the Club.
Schwaben Club 1668 King Street E., Kitchener • 519-742-7979
Presenting Two Great FestHalles Featuring Award Winning Bands “The Golden Keys” and “The Steve Angel Band” Incredible Traditional Food and Atmosphere.
Join us for “Gemuetlichkeit”!
The German Clubs ARE Oktoberfest! For Festhalle Tickets: Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Official Retail Store 17 Benton Street, Kitchener • 519-570-4267 Buy Tickets Online at www.oktoberfest.ca
WILLKOMMEN
Greetings from Margo Jones
PRESIDENT OF K-W OKTOBERFEST INC. Guten Tag and herzlich willkommen zum 49 Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest! Welcome to the 49th Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. We invite you to join us at one of the many Festhallen, over 40 Family & Cultural events, the Annual Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade and many other activities which take place during our nine-day festival. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is supported by over 500 community volunteers who are involved in various roles and activities throughout the year preparing to welcome guests from near and far to experience the true spirit of Gemütlichkeit. Our festival has recently been recognized by Expedia.ca’s blog as one of the 17 must visit festivals across Canada as part of Canada’s 150th Birthday celebrations. As well, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has been named as One of the Top Three Best Oktoberfest Events All Around the World. The selection was based on the experience of festival attendees and overall quality as reflected on top festival blogs. On behalf of the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Board of Directors we look forward to hosting you at this year’s festival which welcomes the young, as well as the young at heart. Children can experience Cook Like Oma as they learn to prepare and bake their own pretzels. Have your picture taken with Miss Oktoberfest, Onkel Hans, Tante Frieda and the Steiner brothers, Ziggy unt Zaggy! Tempt your taste buds with various Bavarian culinary specialities throughout the Festhallen including apple strudel, sauerkraut, schnitzel, rollbraten and of course Oktoberfest sausage. The Golf Experience, A Blooming Affair Fashion Show, the Annual Car Show and much, much more will provide you and your family with lasting memories of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. Come and be German for a week and join 700,000 of our closest friends as we celebrate Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival! Oktoberfest ist...Wunderbar!
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ENJOY A FREE BUS RIDE OCTOBER 6, 7, 13 & 14
Friday & Saturday 11:30pm - approx 2:30am Check bus timetables posted in participating festhallen
Festhallen
Online Trip Planner: www.grt.ca Next Bus Information Text: 5755 & Key in Stop Number Customer Service/Next Bus Call: 519-585-7555 TTTY: 519-575-4608
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What to see and do All About Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Festhallen/Accredited Community Partners
n History........................................................................14
n Festhallen Calendar................................................. 36
n K- W Oktoberfest Inc. Board of Directors................ 48
n Map of Accredited Festhallen................................. 34
n KWO Experience....................................................... 58
n Festhallen Descriptions........................................... 30
n A Community Partnership....................................... 64
n Accredited Accommodations ................................. 38
n KWO All Year Round................................................. 66
n Accredited Dining, Attractions ................................ 40 n Accredited Retail, Community Partners..................41
Events n Thanksgiving Weekend ............................................16
In The Community
n Event Calendar......................................................... 18
n Greetings from Dignitaries....................................... 4
n Event Descriptions................................................... 20
n Willkommen from the President.............................. 8
n K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year ........ 50
n Get Snap’d................................................................ 19
n A Blooming Affair Fashion Show............................. 50
n Oktoberfest Ambassadors....................................... 54
n Thanksgiving Day Parade........................................ 52
n Volunteers of the Year ............................................ 60
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Promo Code: ROCKTOBER Save when you buy tickets! $37+HST using the above promo code.*
Oct 11 to Nov 5
Dunfield Theatre Cambridge Book by Chris D’Arienzo Arrangements & Orchestrations by Ethan Popp * See website for full promotion details.
draytonentertainment.com 10 www.oktoberfest.ca
BUTTON
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Souvenir Button
The essential keepsake, for all visitors to Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, is the official souvenir button. Since 1969, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has created an annual souvenir button featuring Oktoberfest scenes, musicians, dancers and, in more recent years, the lovable Onkel Hans character. There are three types of buttons available through our souvenir button program. The round button sells for $1.99, the pin sells for $3.99 and the Blinkie Pin sells for $6.49. These are available at the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Official Retail Store and at all festhallen. Start your collection today!
OFFICIAL SPONSORS OF 2017
info@hhdimports.com Tel: 519.884.7600 www.hhdimports.com HHDImports-FestGuide-17.indd 1
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15/08/2017 9:52:53 AM
St. Jacobs Country
HISTORY
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Getting better with age The origins of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest began with the festivities of a wedding in Bavaria, now celebrating its 207th anniversary! In a far away land known as Bavaria, King Ludwig I married the beautiful princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildenburghausen. The loyal soldiers in the Prince’s National Guard thought horse races would be a most fitting way to celebrate this joyous occasion. These races were the finale of five days of wedding festivities on October 17, 1810. This was the beginning of Oktoberfest. The horse races became an annual event and were combined with the state agricultural fair the following year. A few years later, booths would be set up for patrons to enjoy food and drink at the festival. In the late 1800s, the booths had grown into large beer halls or tents, which are still set up each year on the Theresienwiese (Therese’s Fields) in honour of Ludwig’s bride. Today, a large midway and fair accompany Oktoberfest in Munich, the largest celebration of its kind in the world. The festival extends over two weeks and ends on the first Sunday of October. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest was not established by royal decree, but with a noble motive just the same. In 1969, the founding fathers of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest saw this Bavarian tradition, celebrated in Bingeman Park in Kitchener, as an excellent opportunity to benefit the entire community. Since 1969, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has developed its own traditions, becoming the largest Bavarian festival in North America, with the greatest Thanksgiving Day Parade in 14 www.oktoberfest.ca
Canada. The civic festival, which celebrates our local German Canadian heritage, has grown from a weekend event in one Festhalle into a nine-day event attracting over 700,000 people. In the Spirit of Gemütlichkeit, on Friday, October 6th at 11:15 am, Carl Zehr Square in Kitchener will be bustling with pomp and ceremony, music and dancing, and the enthusiasm of thousands of revellers eager to kick-off the 2017 KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest. Honoured guests and dignitaries at the official Opening Ceremony will accompany our President, Margo Jones, the newly crowned Miss Oktoberfest and our favourite ambassador, Onkel Hans. This year, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is bigger and better than ever with over 40 Family and Cultural Events and many Festhallen. There is something for everyone at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest! Willkommen to you, your family and friends. Experience a nine-day celebration of heritage, and if someone asks why you are here … tell them Ludwig sent you.
CATEGORY NAME
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
Thanksgiving Weekend
Oktoberfest Style
Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend with your friends and family by taking part in the many Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest events happening around town. Don’t know where to start? This simple guide provides some suggestions to help plan your weekend!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6: Start the Thanksgiving weekend and the 49th annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest early by attending the official Opening Ceremonies & Keg Tapping at Kitchener City Hall at 11:15 am followed by the Mayor’s Lunch sponsored by Pillers. Then plan on spending the day in downtown Kitchener as the Oktoberfest Willkommen Platz will be set up in Carl Zehr Square. Lots of incredible food vendors, crafts and live music fill the square. If you need Oktoberfest tracht, souvenirs or Festhalle tickets, make the short walk to the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Official Retail Store at the corner 16 www.oktoberfest.ca
of Benton and Charles. You’ll find everything you need to look festive and commemorate your visit to Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. Take in a show from our Glockenspiel, it goes off at the top of every hour between 9am and 6pm.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7: There are many activities that you and your family can check out on Saturday. The Bogenschuetzenfest Archery competition at Hubertushaus, Erntefest - Harvest Festival, the K-W Oktoberfest Natural Classic body building competition and Great Lakes Helicopter rides out of Waterloo Region Airport. Have a delicious Bavarian lunch at Willkommen Platz, shop at the www.oktoberfest.ca 16
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Retail Store or throw an axe at Axtwerfen. Wind down in the evening with a fantastic dinner at one of our participating OktoberLICIOUS Restaurants featuring a German inspired menu and beer or wine pairing, satisfy your artistic side with painting and live music at the Watercolours & Jazz event or take part in the brand new Pride-toberfest.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8: It’s the final day of Bogenschuetzenfest at Hubertushaus, where the target is a replica of a wild boar travelling at approximately 20 km/h. Head to Downtown Kitchener for lunch at Willkommen Platz, do some more shopping in the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Official Retail Store to get some cute souvenirs, tracht or Festhalle tickets. Buy a bleacher seat for the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade happening Monday. Bleacher Seat Tickets are $8 and available at the Kitchener–Waterloo Oktoberfest Official Retail Store.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9: Rise and Shine! It’s time to secure your spot on the parade route! The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at 8:45 am, at Weber and Frederick Streets in Kitchener, and makes its way along Weber to Bridgeport Street in Waterloo. Just before the parade starts, make sure you cheer on the runners from the Oktoberfest 5K Fun Run coming down the route at 8am. They could use your support to achieve their best time. After the parade, plan on taking your family to one of the many Family Day events in our Festhallen. It’s an opportunity for children to get inside and do the chicken dance. Family Day events are planned at the Alpine Club, Altes Muenchen Haus, Concordia Club, Hubertushaus and Schwaben Club. For more information on these events, see the Calendar of Events on page 18 of this FestGuide, visit www.oktoberfest.ca, or call 519-570-HANS. www.oktoberfest.ca 17
EVENT CALENDAR
Family & Cultural Events
Pre-Festival
$
Date and time
Stein & Dine – A Unique Oktoberfest Culinary Experience
$
Thursday, September 7, 6 pm
Oktoberfest Golf Experience
$
Monday, September 11, 9:30 am
Miss Oktoberfest Gala Ball
$
Friday, September 29, 6 pm
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Cup
$
Saturday, September 30, 9am-5pm
Cambridge Community Oktoberfest Luncheon
Free
A Blooming Affair Fashion Show
Free
K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year
Event 34th annual Victoria Place Oktoberfest Celebration
$
Wednesday, October 4, 6 pm Boulevard, 7:30 pm Fashion Show
$
Waterloo Mayor’s Oktoberfest Luncheon
Fri. Oct 6
Sat. Oct 7
Sun. Oct 8
Wednesday, October 4, 11:30 am
Thursday, October 5, 11:30 am
$
Thursday, October 5, 7 pm
Mon. Oct 9
Tues. Oct 10
Wed. Oct 11
Thurs. Oct 12
Fri. Oct 13
Sat. Oct 14
11:30am2pm
Free
Axtwerfen
$
12pm12am
12pm12am
12pm12am
12pm12am
12pm12am
12pm12am
12pm12am
12pm12am
12pm12am
Bogenschuetzenfest & Running Boar Tournament
$
10am
11am
Breslau Craft Show
$
Cook Like Oma
Free
Entrepreneur Jr. - Building an Online Store with Shopify
Free
Erntefest - Harvest Festival
$
10amnoon
5pm 7:30pm 10am5pm
10am 5pm
1pm 5pm
10am 5pm
10am 5pm
10am 5pm
10am 5pm
Great Lakes Helicopter Rides
$
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Kitchener Willkommen Platz (Carl Zehr Square)
Free
All Day
All Day
All Day
All Day
All Day
All Day
All Day
All Day
All Day
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest 5K Fun Run
Free for Spectators
8am
Free
10am8pm
10am8pm
10am6pm
10am6pm
12pm6pm
12pm6pm
12pm6pm
10am8pm
Free / $ Bleacher
8:45am
Spectators Free
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1pm 5pm
12pm 7pm
Free
K-W Armtoberfest
9am3pm
German Pioneers’ Day
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Official Retail Store Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade
Sun. Oct 15
10am8pm
10am 6pm
10am2pm
Event
$
K-W Oktoberfest Natural Classic
$
Oktoberfest Closing Ceremonies
$
Oktoberfest Opening Ceremonies
Free
OktoberFEAST Food Truck Fest
Free
Oktoberfest Citizenship Ceremony and Celebration
Free
OktoberLICIOUS Onkel Hans Food Drive
Sat. Oct 7
Sun. Oct 8
Mon. Oct 9
Tues. Oct 10
Wed. Oct 11
Thurs. Oct 12
9am 3pm
Fri. Sat. NAME Sun. CATEGORY Oct 13
Oct 14
Oct 15
12:30am
11:15am 11am 4pm
$
Oktoberfest Car Show
Oktoberfest Hockey Tournament
Fri. Oct 6
9am 3pm
9:45am12pm
Spectators Free
October 20 - 22, 2017 variety or local rinks and times
$
September 23 - October 15, 2017 (see list of restaurants at www.oktoberfest.ca)
Donation
Pride-toberfest
$
Rocktoberfest
$
So You Think You Can Tanz
$
Thanksgiving Day Fall Harvest - Waterloo Region Museum
$
UpTown Waterloo Great Oktoberfest Barrel race
$
Victorian Thanksgiving at Woodside
$
Watercolours & Jazz
$
Waterloo County Quilters’ Guild 2017 Quilt Exhibit
$
8:45am
9pm 1am 7pm
6pm 11pm 9:30am 4pm 11am1pm 10am4pm
10am4pm
10am4pm
10am4pm
10am4pm
10am4pm
10am5pm
10am5pm
10am4pm
7pm 10:30p
BE CHOSEN AS THE 2017 FACE OF CANADA’S GREATEST BAVARIAN FESTIVAL! Watch for official SNAP photographers at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest events and Festhallen! Visit www.oktoberfest.ca to find out where you can “GET SNAP’d” or to see if you won a prize! A new photo winner is selected everyday. Contest runs October 6 - 14, 2017. All winning photos are published in the November Issue of SNAP K-W, available in over 300 locations across K-W!
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EVENT DESCRIPTIONS $40.82 plus tax/pp; Walk-ins: $19.91 plus tax/pp INFO: Contact 226-646-1196 or email kitchener@batlgrounds.com
Bogenschuetzenfest & The Running Boar Tournament Saturday, October 7; 10am Sunday, October 8; 11am
A Blooming Affair Fashion Show presented by Heffner Lexus Wednesday, October 4; 6pm Boulevard, 7:30pm Show
LOT 42 Global Flex Complex 41 Ardelt Place., Kitchener (L/E)
Join us for an evening of local fashion, entertainment and a chance for a night out with the girls! The 44th annual show will highlight fall fashion from the Region’s leading independent retailers. With doors opening at 6:00pm, guests can browse and shop at the popular “Boulevard of Boutiques”, presented by Total Women Magazine. Advance tickets are recommended. General Admission Tickets: $40 pp; VIP Admission Tickets: $50 pp To order call 519-570-4267 ext. 221or www.oktoberfest.ca
Hubertushaus (German-Canadian Hunting & Fishing Club), 1605 Bleams Road; Mannheim (located between Mannheim & Regional Road 12) (FF; S/T)
Bogenschuetzenfest takes place on Saturday, October 7th. The aim is to knock off parts of a styrofoam eagle mounted on top of a 35’ pole. Archers need their own equipment and should have 2 FluFlu arrows. On Sunday, October 8th, participants can compete in the Running Boar Tournament, which is a casual event, where archers shoot at a replica boar that is pulled across the shooting line. Archers are required to have their own equipment (field point) arrows. TICKETS: Spectators - FREE; Entry Fee: $15.00 (13 & over); $10.00 (under 12); INFO: Contact Andrew McKay at mr.Andrew.j.mckay@gmail.com or 519-578-6197
Axtwerfen
Friday, October 6 to Saturday, October 14 12pm - 12am daily BATL/Backyard Axe Throwing League 69 Agnes Street; Kitchener (S/T)
The Backyard Axe Throwing League (BATL) has pioneered the sport of axe throwing since 2006. BATL’s expert coaches have been teaching residents of Waterloo Region how to throw an axe in a fun and relaxed setting in leagues, or for private events such as parties and team building. Booking times vary and can be made through our website: www.batlgrounds.com. ADMISSION: Events: $35.49 to
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Breslau Craft Show
Saturday, October 14; 9am-3pm Breslau Public School 58 Joseph Street; Breslau (M/C/S)
Come to Breslau for the 28th annual Craft Show! There will be over 100+ vendors, raffles, food, baked goods and more. This is where Christmas shopping begins! TICKETS: $2.00 per person, Grade 8
student age and under are free. Proceeds go to fundraising efforts of Parent Council at Breslau Public School for various school enhancements and programs. INFO: Elizabeth Siddorn at 519-591-9832 or bpscraftshow@gmail.com
Cambridge Community Oktoberfest Luncheon
Wednesday, October 4; 11:30am City of Cambridge (Civic Square) 50 Dickson Street, Cambridge, ON (L/E)
The local celebrations will kick-off with an opening ceremony attended by the Cambridge Mayor and City Council, with a free Oktoberfest lunch courtesy of M&M Meat Shops, on Wednesday, October 4th at Cambridge Civic Square. There will be a keg tapping ceremony and Maypole Raising, with KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest officials; including, Miss Oktoberfest and Onkel Hans, and live entertainment.
Cook Like Oma
Saturday, October 14; 10am - 12pm Kitchener Market - Marketplace 300 King Street East; Kitchener (M/C/S; F/C; F/F)
Bring your family to learn how to make pretzels and other traditional food like Oma makes. Afterwards, enjoy traditional Oktoberfest dancing and music, along with appearances from some of your favorite Oktoberfest mascots! FREE EVENT, with a donation of a non-perishable items or a toonie towards the Waterloo Region Food Bank. INFO: Contact 519-741-2287 or visit www.kitchenermarket.ca; info@kitchenermarket.ca
Entrepreneur Jr. - Building an Online Store with Shopify Wednesday, October 11; 5pm -7:30pm 57 Erb Street W., Waterloo (M/C/S; F/C; F/F)
Shopify invites parents and kids to join us as we teach you how to create your very own online store! You’ll be taken step-by-step
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS through setting up a Shopify store and even learn a few tips and tricks about do-it-yourself photography. This is a great way for your junior entrepreneur to get started! This event is recommend for kids 8+ although there will be plenty of activities for younger children. FREE EVENT, Pizza will be provided and parents must stay at the event. INFO: Free registration & additional details available at https:// entrepreneurjrshopify.eventbrite.ca
and contributions to our society by honouring pioneer families, clubs, institutions and events. The Kitchener City Hall Rotunda will be filled with cultural and historical displays, a Brass Concert choir and dance group performances. The Awards Ceremony begins at 5:00 pm. ADMISSION: FREE INFO: Contact the German-Canadian Remembrance Society at info@germanrembrancesociety.com or 519-579-6185
Erntefest – Harvest Festival
Great Lakes Helicopter Rides
Schneider Haus National Historic Site 466 Queen Street South; Kitchener (S/T)
Region of Waterloo Airport 4881 Fountain Street N., Breslau (FF; L/E)
October 6, 7, 8, 11 - 15 Wed. - Sat.: 10am - 5pm; Sunday: 1pm - 5pm
Schneider Haus, Kitchener’s oldest Mennonite homestead, celebrates the harvest or “Erntefest” with a flurry of activity. The seasonal tasks of a Mennonite farming family will be performed as they were in the 1850’s. Domestic duties such as schnitzing, preserving, pickling and flax processing will prepare the busy household for winter. ADMISSION: Adults $6.00, Seniors/Students $5.00, Children (ages 5 - 12) $4.00, Children (4 & under) Free, Family (2 adults & dependent children) $15.00 INFO: www.schneiderhaus.com or 519-742-7752
October 6 to 14; Daily (weather permitting)
Great Lakes Helicopter is taking Oktoberfest to new heights! Come join us for a helicopter tour and see the spectacular Fall colours along the Grand River. Rides will be approximately 20 minutes. Call to book yours today!. Capacity (up to 3 riders); Special for week is $250.00 + tax; children under 12 permitted only with an adult; no children under 2. Please call 519648-3782 to arrange your flight. This event is weather permitting. There is a weight restriction of 260 lbs. per person. INFO: Call 519-648-3732 or visit www.greatlakeshelicopter.ca
Kitchener Willkommen Platz
Friday October 6 - Saturday October 14; Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener City Hall (FF; L/E; F)
German Pioneers’ Day
Tuesday, October 10; 12pm – 7pm Kitchener City Hall, Rotunda 200 King Street West; Kitchener (C/H)
The German-Canadian community is celebrating its cultural heritage
The hub of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is located at the Willkommen Platz in Downtown Kitchener at Carl Zehr Square at Kitchener City Hall. The “Bavarian Village” features daily entertainment, displays and activities, food and beverages as well as official souvenirs and visitor information. Fun for the whole family. Platz is open daily through the festival. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
at Willkommen Platz! FREE EVENT, unless otherwise specified. INFO: 519-570-4267, 1-888-294-4267 or www.oktoberfest.ca
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest 5K Fun Run presented by The Record Monday ,October 9; 8am
Start: Weber E & Borden Ave N in Kitchener near Knollwood Park Finish: Moses Springer Arena, 150 Lincoln Rd, Waterloo (S/T)
Kick-off the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade by participating in a 5 KM run down the parade route, with thousands of spectators cheering you on! The run is in support of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region. Winners of the Kitchener– Waterloo Oktoberfest 5K Fun Run are whisked away to ride in the Parade! Prizes for Individual, Team & Youth Registrations available. REGISTRATION FEE: Individual Adult Runner: $40 pp; Individual Youth Runner (18 & Under): $25.00; Group/Team Registration (4 people): $160 INFO: Register online at www.5K.oktoberfest.ca or www.runningroom.com, or call 519-5704267 ext. 241
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Cup
Saturday, September 30; 9am - 5pm RIM Park Field House Indoor Soccer Fields 2001 University Ave. E., Waterloo (S/T)
Register your team of eight to ten people for this elimination-style soccer tournament on an Indoor Soccer Field that features grass-like
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EVENT DESCRIPTIONS turf and enjoy an entire day of Oktoberfest themed competition, live DJ, great food and a sporting event that’s LARGER THAN LIFE! The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Cup takes place at RIM park (2001 University Ave. E.) in Waterloo, in the Field House Soccer Pitch that will be divided into 3 distinct soccer pitches, allowing 3 games to be played at the same time. Your team registration includes a food and drink ticket and 4 games guaranteed for each team member! FREE EVENT for spectators; Registration Fee for participants INFO: www.oktoberfest.ca or call 519-570-4267
Festival Hours: Fri. Oct. 6 to Sun. Oct.8 Mon.Oct. 9 (Thanksgiving) Tues. Oct.10 - Thur. Oct.12 Fri. Oct 13 & Sat.Oct. 14 Sun. Oct. 15
10am - 8pm 10am - 6pm 12pm - 6pm 10am - 8pm 10am - 2pm
519-570-HANS or 1-888-294HANS; officialstore@oktoberfest.ca
K-W Oktoberfest Natural Classic Saturday, October 7; Pre-Judging: 9am Awards Show: 3pm
Maxwell’s Concert Hall 35 University Avenue E., Waterloo (C/A; FF; S/T)
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade Monday, October 9; 8:45am
Kitchener to Waterloo along Weber St. Start: Weber St & Frederick St, Kitchener Finish: Weber & Bridgeport Rd, Waterloo (L/E)
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Official Retail Store
17 Benton Street (at Charles) Kitchener., 519-570-HANS www.oktoberfest.ca
Come visit the official headquarters of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest – where you can purchase tickets to the various events, obtain information, or browse through the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Official Retail Store. The store offers a great collection of Oktoberfest souvenir items; pins & buttons, hats & feathers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, steins, mugs, shooters and lots more! You’ll find unique collectibles such as the imported German/Bavarian Steins. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Official Retail Store is open year round. This year don’t just join the party….be the party!
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start with “supermatches”, which means there will be some intense battles for ranking positions. There will also be some grip strength demonstrations. FREE EVENT for spectators; Registration Fee for participants INFO: Contact kwarmclub@gmail.com
Bands from across North America, spectacular floats and more are featured in Canada’s largest Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Parade travels almost 5 km, entertaining a crowd of over 150,000 cheering spectators and is enjoyed nationally on the CTV Network by over 1.8 million viewers. A highlight is the Parade’s Grand Marshall whose identity remains top secret until just prior to the start of the Festival. FREE EVENT; $8 bleacher seat tickets call 519-570-4267 x 233 or www.oktoberfest.ca
K-W Armtoberfest
Saturday, October 14; 10am-6pm (Location TBD) (F; FF; S/T)
KW Armtoberfest is back and was the recipient of the Best New Event in 2016! This tournament is sanctioned by the Ontario Arm Wrestling Association (OAA) and is a double elimination. The day will
The #KWOSHOW is in its 7th year as an official Oktoberfest Natural Bodybuilding event. All athletes compete naturally for the chance to represent Team Ontario in the Nationals. The #KWOSHOW is a family event for all! If you have the goal to get in your best shape or an ultimate fitness buff, this is an event you will not want to miss! ADMISSION: Pre-Judging: $25.00; Awards Show: $40.00. Tickets can be purchased, with cash, at the door. INFO: Visit www.kwoshow.com or contact Melissa Shadd at melissa. shadd@gmail.com.
K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year Thursday, October 5; 7pm
LOT 42 Global Flex Complex 41 Ardelt Place., Kitchener (L/E)
K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year recognizes outstanding women in the community in 10 categories – Arts
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS & Culture; Community Service; Entrepreneur; Group Achievement; Health & Wellness; Lifetime Achievement; Professional; Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM), Sports & Recreation and Young Adult. An award recipient is chosen from each category. TICKETS: $40 pp+HST; to order call 519-570-4267 or www.oktoberfest.ca
year! The evening includes visits from Onkel Hans, Miss Oktoberfest and many more! Tickets available at KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest Official Retail Store. INFO: 519-570-4267, 1-888-2944267 or www.oktoberfest.ca
Official Opening Ceremonies
main parking lot. Visitors and “Foodies” alike will be able to experience an array of mouth watering tastes, treats, and yummy Oktoberfest delicacies at this exciting event. Bring the whole family to enjoy the fun! You’ll want to come hungry to this delicious Oktoberfest event.!
Friday, October 6; 11:15am
Kitchener City Hall - Carl Zehr Square 200 King Street W., Kitchener (L/E)
Miss Oktoberfest Gala Ball presented by Pfaff/Porsche of London Friday, September 29; 6pm-1am LOT 42 Global Flex Campus 41 Ardelt Place., Kitchener (L/E)
The Miss Oktoberfest Gala Ball, presented by Pfaff/Porsche of London, is the premier black tie event of the Festival. This elegant evening begins with a cocktail party and silent auction followed by a gourmet dinner and dancing to a live band. The crowning of Miss Oktoberfest 2017 promises to be the highlight of the evening. Join us for the “Social Event of the Year in the Waterloo Region!” Tickets are $150+HST per person and are available by request at katieo@oktoberfest.ca or 519-570-4267 x238.
The fanfare of trumpeters will be sounding from the rooftops on Friday, October 6th, 2017 at 11:15 am, announcing the Official Opening of the 49th annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, North America’s largest Bavarian festival! Carl Zehr Square will be bustling with pomp and ceremony, music and dancing, and the enthusiasm of thousands of revelers eager to begin the Festival. Honoured guests and dignitaries will accompany our President, Margo Jones, the newly crowned Miss Oktoberfest and our favourite ambassador Onkel Hans in kicking off the nine days of celebration and the Spirit of Gemuetlichkeit. The ceremony is televised by CTV at 12:15 pm. INFO: 519-570-4267, 1-888-294-4267 or www.oktoberfest.ca
Chicopee Haus 396 Morrison Road., Kitchener (L/E; F/LH)
2017 Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest closes with a bang at the Official Closing Ceremonies. Say good bye to KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest for another
Saturday, October 14; 9am – 3pm The Inn of Waterloo Parking Lot 475 King Street N., Waterloo (L/E)
Bring your vehicle to The Inn of Waterloo Parking Lot on Saturday, October 14th and display it for all to see! Vehicles of all shapes, sizes and vintages can be found during this annual event. No cost to enter a vehicle! Call the KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest office to register. FREE EVENT INFO: 519-570-4267, 1-888-2944267 or www.oktoberfest.ca
Oktoberfest Citizenship Ceremony and Celebration Tuesday, October 10; 9:45am-12pm A.R Kaufman Public School 11 Chopin Drive., Kitchener (C/H; FF)
Official Closing Ceremonies Saturday, October 14; 12:30am
Oktoberfest Car Show presented by Mel’s Diner
OktoberFEAST Food Truck Fest
Saturday, October 14; 11am-4pm The Inn of Waterloo Parking Lot 475 King St. N., Waterloo (F; C/H)
Feast your eyes on this delicious mobile food-truck “Feastival”, rolling into The Inn of Waterloo’s
Join the Kiwanis Club of Elmira Waterloo North Satellite in saying ‘Willkommen’ to new Canadian citizens, as they take the citizenship ceremony which is a formalized rite of passage that pin points the entry into the Canadian family. Stay and join us for refreshments to celebrate our new Canadians. FREE EVENT
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EVENT DESCRIPTIONS
Oktoberfest Hockey Tournament
October 20 – 22; Various times starting at 7am until 10pm daily Various Kitchener Rinks (Activa Sportsplex, AUD Complex, Grand River, Don McLaren and Lions) (L/E; FF; S/T)
Kitchener Minor Hockey Association (KMHA) welcomes all the Hockey Players, Parents, Team Officials and fans to the 44th Annual Oktoberfest Hockey Tournament. The competitive hockey tournament attracts the best Boys & Girls Rep teams (ages 9 - 10) in North America and will provide the highest level of competition. Proceeds from this event will go to Kitchener Minor Hockey. FREE for Spectators; INFO: www. kitchenerminorhockey.com
OktoberLICIOUS
September 23 - October 15 Waterloo Region Restaurants (C/H; F)
This unique culinary celebration is the perfect opportunity to explore the variety and talent of our local restaurants with a prix-fixe program that gives exceptional value with a Bavarian Twist for a limited time! Visit one of the many participating Oktoberlicious partners for a truly authentic “Taste of Oktoberfest” at a great price! Prices vary by venue. INFO: 519-5704267 or www.oktoberfest.ca
Onkel Hans Food Drive Monday, October 9; 8:45am
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade (new route) Start: Weber at Frederick St., Kitchener Finish: Weber and Bridgeport Rd., Waterloo (L/E)
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Share in the spirit of Thanksgiving by helping the community with the Onkel Hans Food Drive, supported by Sobeys, Piller’s and Waterloo Nissan, taking place during the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade. Please bring your nonperishable food items to the Parade and volunteers will gladly pick them up along the parade route. Thank you for lending a helping hand! FREE EVENT; Donations to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region on the parade route and online at www.oktoberfest.ca
Pride-Toberfest
Saturday, October 7; 9pm-1am THEMUSEUM 10 King Street West., Kitchener (C/M/D)
Kick off Oktoberfest right with tri-Pride as we FINALLY bring back...Pride-toberfest! Come on out and dance the night away with the LGBTQ+ Community at The Museum in Downtown Kitchener. Featuring your local drag entertainers Miss Drew, Jasmine Flowers and more, the amazing and hot DJ Jayson Spank, a Cash Bar, and Delicious Food available. #pridetoberfest ADMISSION: $20.00; For tickets, contact John Trevor at 519-894-8513 or events@tri-pride.ca INFO: www.tripride.ca or call 519894-8513
Rocktoberfest
Sunday, October 8; 7pm Altes Muenchen Haus Queensmount Arena 1260 Queens Blvd., Kitchener (C/M/D; L/E;F/LH)
For one night only, Rock and Polka come together at Rocktoberfest
featuring Oktoberfest favourite, Walter Ostanek! The concert is open only to those who are 19 years of age and older and is sure to be an exciting night! INFO: 519-570-4267 x233, 1-888294-4267 or www.oktoberfest.ca
So You Think You Can Tanz Tuesday, October 10; 6pm
Alpine Club 464 Maple Avenue, Kitchener (C/H; C/M/D; C/A)
So You Think You Can Tanz was created in 2008 to showcase the local German Dance Groups in a friendly competition, held annually at the Alpine Club. Come out to see who is crowned this year! Along with this action packed event, dance your shoes off to some great Polka music and help support your local German Club Dance Groups! ADMISSION: $13.00 per person. Seating is based on first come first served basis, reserved seating available for groups over 10+ people. Tickets available through Alpine Club, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest’s Official Retail Store, or contact the participating groups. Be sure to Like Us on Facebook (Alpine ClubKW) and Follow Us on Twitter (@ AlpineClubKW) for regular updates on the event! INFO: Visit www.alpineclub. ca, call (519)570-HANS x233.
Stein & Dine – A Unique Oktoberfest Culinary Experience Thursday, September 7; 6pm
The Inn of Waterloo 475 King Street North., Waterloo (L/E; C/M/D)
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, in partnership with Molson Coors Canada, presents the premier culinary event of the season! Guests will enjoy a Bavarianinspired culinary experience, prepared live on stage with unique beer pairings for each course. Chef D of Rogers TV, and Chef David Pyper of Sobeys are the featured chefs. Justin Lamontagne, one of eight Canadian Cicerones (beer
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS sommeliers), will pair Molson Coors beers with each course, providing an explanation of the pairings. Stein & Dine is proudly supported by Pfaff Porsche/ Porsche of London and Flanagan Foodservice. TICKETS: $200 each (+HST) or $1,500 corporate table (+HST) INFO: 519-570-4267, 1-888-2944267 or www.oktoberfest.ca
Victorian Thanksgiving at Woodside
October 6 - 8, 12 - 15; 10am - 4 pm Woodside National Historic Site 528 Wellington Street N. (off Spring Valley Road)., Kitchener (C/H; FF)
UpTown Waterloo Great Oktoberfest Barrel Race
Saturday, October 14; 11am-1pm Waterloo Public Square 75 King Street S., Waterloo (C/H; F/F)
Thanksgiving Day Fall Harvest – Waterloo Region Museum Monday, October 9; 9:30am - 4pm
Waterloo Region Museum / Doon Heritage Village, 10 Huron Road, Kitchener (C/H)
After the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade, visit our Thanksgiving Day Fall Harvest event, that celebrates autumn in the picturesque 60 acre Doon Heritage Village. Bring your family for an afternoon of fun activities and enjoy the magnificent colours of fall at one of the prettiest places in Waterloo Region. This event features horse-drawn wagon rides, live music and seasonal family fun activities! During your visit, experience the Waterloo Region Museum indoor galleries, explore 12,000 years of Waterloo Region’s past, present and future from the ice age to the Blackberry. Admission includes museum & village. ADMISSION: Adults - $11, Students / Seniors - $8, Children (5-12) - $5, Family - $25.00, Children under 5 are free INFO: call 519-748-1914 or www.waterlooregionmuseum.com
Roll out the Barrel! Register to participate in our annual relay-style keg race! Adult mens, ladies’ and co-ed teams, of four, can register. Children can participate with wheel barrel races. Always great prizes for the whole family to win. Proceeds go to The Sun Life Financial UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival, supporting free jazz for our community. FREE EVENT for spectators; Registration: $35.00 (4 members per team) INFO: Contact UpTown Waterloo BIA at http://uptownwaterloobia. com/ uptownwaterloobia@waterloo.ca or 519-885-1921.
34th annual Victoria Place Oktoberfest
Wednesday, October 11; 11:30am-2pm Victoria Place 290 Queen Street South., Kitchener (C/M/D; L/E)
Join us at Victoria Place to celebrate our 34th Annual Oktoberfest! This event will be great for seniors in KitchenerWaterloo! Enjoy a menu of Oktoberfest cuisine. Seating is limited, call ahead. Admission Free, RSVP; Tickets for food and beverages will be sold at Victoria Place, 290 Queen Street S., Kitchener INFO: visit www.reveraliving.com or call 519-576-1300.
Woodside National Historic Site presents traditional Thanksgiving in the Victorian Era. The boyhood home of William Lyon Mackenzie King is decorated for the harvest season and the grounds are ablaze with fall colours, perfect for a picnic, an afternoon stroll or picture taking. ADMISSION: Adults - $3.90, Seniors - $3.40, Youth - $1.90, Family / Group - $9.80 INFO: Visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/ woodside or call 519-571-5684
Watercolours & Jazz
Saturday, October 7; 7pm - 10:30pm Knox Presbyterian Church Waterloo 50 Erb Street W., Waterloo (C/H/; M/C/S)
Enjoy an evening of music by local jazz singer Mary-Catherine Pazzano and accompanist Don Buchanan, as well as The Water Boys and Alex Showdra and Dan Corrigan. Silent auction to bid on watercolours by well-known local artist Robert Myers. TICKETS: $10.00 each; finger food and Cash Bar; Tickets can be purchased at the door or beforehand at www.knoxwaterloo.ca. INFO: contact Knox Waterloo at 519886-4150 or visit knoxwaterloo.ca
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EVENT DESCRIPTIONS Waterloo Mayor’s Oktoberfest Luncheon
Thursday, October 5; 11 am – 1 pm Waterloo Public Square 75 King Street South (King & Willis Way) Uptown Waterloo (L/E)
Waterloo County Quilters’ Guild 2017 Quilt Exhibit October 13-14; 10am - 5pm
Forbes Family Hall at RIM Park Manulife Financial Sportsplex 2001 University Avenue E., Waterloo (C/H;FF;M/C/S)
Join us at Waterloo County Quilters’ Guild 2017 Quilt Exhibit, October 13th and 14th from10am to 5 pm. There will be vendors, over 300 quilts on display, Small Quilt Draw, Members’ Boutique and Door Prizes. ADMISSION: $8.00 INFO: http://wcquiltersguild.on.ca/
Join our hosts, Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky and the City of Waterloo Council as they kick-off the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest celebrations with a mouth watering free lunch courtesy of Pillers. Onkel Hans, Miss Oktoberfest and the Black Forest Band will be on-hand to entertain and greet you at this annual event. FREE EVENT INFO: 519-570-4267, 1-888-29442678 or www.oktoberfest.ca 42678 or www.oktoberfest.ca
Event Categories C/H= Cultural / Heritage; F= Food; L/E= Leisure / Entertainment (Parades); M/C/S=Markets, Crafts & Shopping; C/M/D=Concert / Music / Dance; F/LH=Festhallen / Licensed Hall; C/A= Contest / Awards; FF= Family Friendly; S/T= Sports & Tournaments;
FREE HOT BREAKFAST•WIFI•PARKING “Official Hotel for 2017 Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest”
www.theinnofwaterloo.com 26 www.oktoberfest.ca
519-804-1130
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS
is proud to be an official sponsor and supplier of
Try one for FREE at: Waterloo Mayor’s Oktoberfest Luncheon October 5th @ 11:00 am OR with a donation at: Kitchener City Council Grillfest in support of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region October 6th @ 11:00 am During Kitchener-Waterloo Opening Ceremonies www.oktoberfest.ca 27
SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER 30 9AM - 5PM
SIGN UP YOUR TEAM! WWW.OK TOBERFEST.CA Sponsored by:
PROUD SPONSOR OF
WILLKOMMEN PLATZ
HANS & FRIEDA
OctOber 6 - 14, 2017
carl Zehr Square, Kitchener city hall 200 King Street WeSt, Kitchener AN OKTOBERFEST BAVARIAN VILLAGE WITH: OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONIES (OCT. 6) OKTOBERFEST FOOD VENDORS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL INFORMATION BOOTH MIDWAY AND MORE Presented in Partnership with
Accident, Injury & Disability Law
OKTOBERFEST.CA/HANSIE FOR CONTEST DETAILS
#HANSIE
CATEGORY NAME
4th Annual
FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2017 11:00AM TO 4:00PM THE INN OF WATERLOO, PARKING LOT
LOCATED NEXT TO THE OKTOBERFEST CAR SHOW WWW.TASTEOFOKTOBERFEST.OKTOBERFEST.CA Sponsored by: WATERLOO REGION
SHOW
Accident, Injury & Disability Law
www.oktoberfest.ca 29
ACCREDITED FESTHALLEN
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Accredited Festhallen
Festhallen
Festhallen are where the core of activities and festivities can be found. These Bavarian decorated buildings, or tents, have a capacity from 250 to 3,950 people! The five German Clubs are very popular, but all Festhallen must meet certain criteria … offering award winning oompah bands, Bavarian dancers, and mouth watering cuisine. All accredited Festhallen are licensed by the AGCO, serve continuous snacks, dinners and beverages, and provide traditional entertainment. Festhallen are casual dress; unless specified, jeans are permitted. Be comfortable. Proper footwear is a must everywhere!
ALPINE CLUB
464 Maple Avenue, Kitchener 519-744-1521 www.alpineclub.ca
Famous for our Apple Strudel, the Alpine Club is one of the best-known German-Canadian Clubs. Come out for a traditional home-cooked meal and stay for a night filled with music and dancing. The Alpine Club, founded in 1953 by members originating from Gottschee, Austria and Germany, is located where they settled in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. The Alpine Club maintains and nurtures its traditions of speaking German, Gottscheerisch and English not only during Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest but throughout the year. As one of the best known German-Canadian Clubs, the cozy atmosphere,combined with delicious cooked meals, entertainment by ethnic German dance groups and great music (by Variations) - make the Alpine Club a popular choice on any of the nine days of Gemuetlichkeit during Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest! There is no typical crowd at the Alpine Club;
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you will find the patrons range from university students to senior citizens, and everything in between. There is something for everyone at the Alpine Club! Neat, casual dress, or tracht.
Capacity: 400
ALTES MUENCHEN HAUS
(Queensmount Arena Lions Club of Kitchener) 1260 Queen’s Boulevard, Kitchener 519-741-1541 www.lionsclubofkitchener.com
A Hotspot of German Hospitality! As a proud contributor to our diverse community through friendship and
service, we’ve offered KitchenerWaterloo a memorable Oktoberfest experience for over 40 years. Canada’s Polka King Walter Ostanek makes Altes Muenchen Haus his home during Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest and he keeps the celebration lively! Altes Muenchen Haus, located in Queensmount Arena, is transformed into the home for all things Oktoberfest; lively entertainment, bright Bavarian decor and special events offer something for everyone at this festhalle, whether reuniting with old friends or meeting for the first time! Thanksgiving Monday is Family Day, where lots of activities make Altes Muenchen Haus the place to be after the parade! Donations to the Food Bank are accepted in lieu of admission on Family Day.
Capacity: 2,050
ACCREDITED FESTHALLEN
CAMBRIDGE BAVARIA HAUS (Cambridge Newfoundland Club) 1500 Dunbar Road, Cambridge www.cambridgeoktoberfest.ca
Come join us as we celebrate Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest in Cambridge. We are Cambridge Bavaria Haus, Cambridge’s only Festhalle. Located next door to Cambridge Centre Mall at the Newfoundland Club, 1500 Dunbar Rd. In from out of town and staying at a local hotel? Have the hotel call us or check our website for a free shuttle ride to our Festhalle. Enjoy a live Oktoberfest band and our local dance groups as they perform. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest in Cambridge, save the drive check on line to see a list of routes for the shuttle bus, enjoy the food, try out the Hammer shot Bar for some great fun and have a great time supporting our Community. Cambridge Bavaria Haus is run by the oldest Rotary Club in Cambridge, with all proceeds going back to the Community. This year our cause is One Room At A Time. Help us to redo one of the rooms at Cambridge Memorial Hospital for their Transformation of CMH.
Capacity: 680
CHICOPEE HAUS
(Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort) 396 Morrison Road, Kitchener 519-894-5610 www.chicopee.ca
Chicopee Haus offers a unique fun-filled Oktoberfest Experience! Chicopee has been a not-for-profit pillar in this region since 1934. During Oktoberfest our rustic chalet is transformed into a festhalle that defines Gemuetlichkeit! Come early and enjoy our festive Bavarian meal served in our lounge from 7-8pm. Enjoy the evening relaxing outdoors on one of our Muskoka chairs by the fire pit, or try your luck in the shooting range; fire a pumpkin from the trebuchet, shoot the potato guns or blast a pumpkin from the cannon. Be entertained indoors by our award winning haus band, featuring Fred Hale & Kenny Munshaw, or enjoy our two and four person shot ski experience. Indulge in our famous late night menu; featuring our famous Sauerkraut Fritters and Deep Fried Cabbage Rolls. We have ample free parking.
Capacity: 450
CONCORDIA CLUB
429 Ottawa Street S., Kitchener 519-745-5617 www.concordiaclub.ca
Tickets are only available through the Club. Call 519-745-5617 or visit www.concordiaclub.ca The Concordia Club is the largest ethnic German Club in Canada. The entertainment and food during the festival, as well as the rest of the year, is as unique and diverse as is the heritage of the Concordia Club. It is a non-profit organization. There are 18 social activity groups who call the club “their home,” such as a Choir, Ballroom Dancing, Skat, Soccer, Ice Curling, Gardening, Mardi Gras and so on. Hospitality plays a major role in the clubs’ activities throughout the year with KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest being the absolute highlight of all cultural events. With the addition of a large tent the club can accommodate almost 4,000 guests joining the best party in town. The Schenke (Tavern) offers up great German fare six days a week, all year round! Dress: clean & casual and Bavarian Tracht, of course.
Capacity: 3,950
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ACCREDITED FESTHALLEN Special Oktoberfest menu, festivities, and giveaways. With Gemuetlichkeit and more, it’s THE place to be!
DAS BIERHAUS
Western Fair District Carousel Room 845 Florence Street., London 1-800-619-4629
Das Bierhaus will be in full swing as part of 2017 Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, as the fun continues down the 401 in London. Operating in a more intimate setting to ensure we get the party rocking, Das Bierhaus will be presenting the sights, sounds and flavours of Bavaria in the Carousel Room at the Western Fair District. Come dance, cheer and indulge in the live music, entertainment, food and beverage that you can only find during Oktoberfest on Friday October 13 and Saturday October 14th
Capacity: 600
ELMIRA KIWANIS HAUS (Lions’ Hall) 40 South Street W., Elmira 519-669-8911
The Festhalle in the heart of Mennonite country. A one-nightonly opportunity to enjoy Oktoberfest in Woolwich Township. Choose a back-roads route and enjoy the countryside on your way to our friendly, but lively, small-town hospitality centre. Featuring live entertainment by The Vaudevillian! An incredible stomping old time blues band featuring guitar, stand up bass, washboard etc. Great blues and traditional Oktoberfest music highlight the evening. Enjoy authentic German fare; including schnitzel, Oktoberfest sausages, sauerkraut, home-made Kettle Chips and fried onions- cooked the way only the Elmira Kiwanis Club’s 30 years of experience can!
Capacity: 430
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HUBERTUSHAUS
Capacity: 275 inside Capacity: 230 outdoor patio
(German-Canadian Hunting & Fishing Club) 1605 Bleams Road., Mannheim 519-634-8491 www.hubertushaus.ca
Hubertushaus, an award winning festhalle, offers all ages the very best of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest! Friendly staff welcomes you to our unique festhalle decorated in traditional Oktoberfest theme. Enjoy the true meaning of Gemütlichkeit! Enjoy our specialties; Rollbratten (pork tenderloin roasted on a spit) served with Spaetzle Noodles & Coleslaw or Breaded Pork Schnitzel served with Potato Salad & Coleslaw as well as a selection of scrumptious cakes and tortes. Also available Schnitzel or Sausage on a bun with Sauerkraut. Choose from the many activities including: Bogenschuetzenfest, Family Day and enjoyable evenings with authentic Oktoberfest music by “Seven Castles”, food & dance groups. Let Hubertushaus make your Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest visit a truly memorable experience!
Capacity: 450
KOENIGSTRASSE GARTEN (Bobby O’Brien’s) 125 King Street W., Kitchener 519-743-5657 www.bobbyobriens.com
Offering a relaxed environment during the week, and a great place to party on the weekends, it is definitely a hot spot to be, with casual dining and so much more. Provides the best in local favourites and classic Irish dishes and drinks. Featuring the largest patio in the tri-city areas.
OBERKRAINER HAUS
(Slovenian Association) 50 Scheifele Place, Breslau 519-648-2773 www.sava.ca
Willkommen! Nestled in the beautiful hamlet of Breslau is Oberkrainer Haus – a multi-award winner - including “Best Small Hall 2014” – welcoming you with open arms to its picturesque, wellmanicured gardens, outdoor patio and modern, newly renovated facility. Oberkrainer Haus has proudly participated in Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival for over 46 years and continues to offer festival-goers one of the liveliest, happiest and warmest Oktoberfest experiences! Voted repeatedly as the festhalle with the “Best Food,” you won’t want to miss the opportunity to enjoy the very best mouth-watering, home-cooked German specialities. They offer an authentic Oktoberfest experience complete with colourful decor, beautiful costumes, original Oberkrainer music – Entertainment provided by award-winning bands and colorful dance groups including, K-W’s beloved Schuhplattlers, Folk Dancers and Mladi Glas Planika from Toronto. Games, contests, prizes, lots of singing and dancing. You MUST visit Oberkrainer Haus! Something for everyone. Oberkrainer Haus sells out very quickly. Auf wieder sehen!
Capacity: 200
ACCREDITED FESTHALLEN
SCHWABEN CLUB
1668 King Street E., Kitchener (enter off Weber, Opposite Eastwood Collegiate) 519-742-7979 www.kitchenerschwabenclub.com
To truly experience a traditional Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, everyone must visit the Schwaben Club. We offer two lively Festhallen, featuring live entertainment by the award-winning Golden Keys and special guests the Steve Angel Band, plus performances by local dance groups, including our own Schwaben Dancers and Donau Dancers. The Schwaben Club is famous for our delicious Oktoberfest menu, featuring a variety of traditional German favorites like schnitzel, cabbage rolls, strudel and other delicacies. See you at the Schwaben Club for Gemuetlichkeit! Casual dress.
Capacity: 640
TRANSYLVANIA CLUB
(at the Stampede Corral) 248 Stirling Avenue S., Kitchener 519-744-1191
performing nightly. Get your Oktoberfest on at Transylvania Haus! It’ll be a night to remember! “Tastiest Schnitzel” 2016 “Best Large Band” 2016
Capacity: 600
www.transylvaniaclub.com
The beer is cold, the schnitzel is fresh and the bull is rarin’ to go! Get your tickets early and fest with the best this Oktoberfest at Transylvania Haus! Come see us in our award-winning Hall! As previous “Best in Festin’” award winners and 2016 winner of the Tastiest Schnitzel, Transylvania Haus has the same old friendly German hospitality but with a kick! Come ride the Bull in your lederhosen or dirndl if you dare! With live, authentic Oktoberfest music by our Haus Band, Wildbahn (Best Large Band for 2016), mouthwatering authentic food and all around Oktoberfest atmosphere, we will ensure that you have a fantastic night! The Transylvania Club Dance Group has not only travelled across North America and Europe but is also a multi-year winner of the “So You Think You Can Tanz” competition and will be
MAXWELL’S CONCERTS AND EVENTS
35 University Ave. East, Waterloo 226-240-7020 www.maxwellswaterloo.com
Maxwell’s Concerts & Events is the most versatile, new event space in Waterloo Region. Maxwell’s regularly hosts events of all types and sizes including concerts, private parties, corporate functions, weddings and much more. Voted 2015 Platinum winner – Best Live Entertainment Venue by the Waterloo Chronicle, Maxwell’s is sure to deliver an unforgettable night. Saturday October 14 Maxwell’s Concerts & Events and K-W Oktoberfest present The Headstones. Tickets are $40 advanced, doors open at 7:30pm, a 19+ event. Get your tickets now!
Capacity: 700
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Schwaben Club
Transylvania Club
11
12
Cambridge Bavaria Haus
Chicopee Haus
Concordia Club
Elmira Kiwanis Haus
Hubertushaus (Petersburg)
3
4
5
6
7
Western Fair District, London- Das BierHaus
Oberkrainer Haus (Breslau)
9
10
Altes Muenchen Haus (Queensmount Arena)
2
13
Maxwell’s Concerts & Events
8
Alpine Club
1
Koenigstrasse Garten (Bobby O’Brien’s)
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Accredited Festhallen
2
6 8
9
1
6
ACCREDITED FESTHALLEN
5
13
Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival
7
12
K-W Oktoberfest Official Retail Store 11
4
3
10
ACCREDITED FESTHALLEN
www.oktoberfest.ca 35
36 www.oktoberfest.ca
German Club
Alpine Club (S)
Altes Muenchen Haus (Queensmount Arena) (L)
Cambridge Bavaria Haus (M)
Chicopee Haus (S)
Concordia Club (L)
2
3
4
5
Festhallen
6pm - 1am $28
6pm - 1am $15 $30 (w/meal)
7pm - 1am $19.50+HST
6pm - 1am $ 14
Fri. Oct .6
6pm - 11pm (Schenke Only) Free with Food Bank Donation
7pm - 1am $15 Student/ Industry Night
Wed. Oct. 11
6pm - 12am $20 Corporate Night
6pm - 11pm $ 10
Thurs. Oct. 12
Dinner at 7pm
7pm - 1am $25+HST
6pm - 1am $ 16
Fri. Oct. 13
$11 6pm - 1am $24
matinee dance group showcase
11am-4pm
6pm - 1am $24
(additional $25+HST)
11am - 6pm $11 Family Day
6pm - 11pm $13 So You Think You Can Tanz
Tues. Oct. 10
(additional $25+HST)
12pm - 6pm $11 Family Day
11am - 6pm $5+HST Family Day
1pm - 7pm $ 10 Family Day
Mon. Oct. 9
8pm - 1am $20+HST (adv.) $25+HST (door)
Dinner at 7pm
7pm - 1am $25+HST Rocktoberfest
1pm - 7pm $ 10 Family Day
Sun. Oct. 8
8pm - 1am $20+HST (adv.) $25+HST (door)
6pm - 1am $15 $30 (w/meal)
7pm - 1am $19.50+HST
5pm - 1am $ 16
Sat. Oct. 7
6pm - 1am $28
(additional $25+HST)
Dinner at 7pm
7pm - 1am $19.50+HST
5pm - 1am $ 18
Sat. Oct. 14
8pm - 1am $20+HST (adv.) $25+HST (door)
All accredited Festhallen are licensed by the AGCO; serve continuous snacks, dinners & beverages and provide traditional entertainment. Capacity Code: L (over 1200) M (600–1200) S (under 600)
Kitchener-Waterloo Accredited Festhallen
1
#
Festhallen
www.oktoberfest.ca 37
Hubertushaus (Mannheim) (S)
Koenigstrasse Haus (Bobby O’Briens) (S)
Maxwell’s Concerts and Events (M)
Oberkrainer Haus (Breslau) (S)
Schwaben Club (M)
Transylvania Club (M)
Western Fair District London-Das Bierhaus (M)
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
6pm - 2am $10
Schwaben Hall
$18
Main Hall
6pm - 1am $22
12pm - 2am FREE
6:30pm -1am $18.50
6pm - 2am $15
Schwaben Hall
$21
5pm - 1am $25
Main Hall
12pm - 2am FREE
Family Day
11:30 -4:30pm $15 Kids 14& Under FREE 11:30am - 2am FREE
11am - 4pm $10 adults Family Day 8 & under free
well
11:30am - 2am FREE
11:30am - 2am FREE
11:30am - 2am FREE
12pm- 2am FREE
6:30pm 1am $21.50
5pm - 11pm $10 Corporate Night
6pm-12am
6pm - 2am $10
Schwaben Hall
$18
Main Hall
6pm - 1am $22
5pm - 1am $16 +HST
Maxwell’s Concerts & Events and K-W Oktoberfest proudly present: The Headstones live in concert Saturday, October, 14. Doors open at 7pm, 19+ event.
12pm - 2am FREE
6:30pm -1am $21.50
$28
6pm-12am
6pm - 2am $20
Schwaben Hall
Main Hall
5pm - 1am $32
5pm - 1am $18 +HST
12pm - 2am FREE
6:30pm 1am $25.50
$15 Advance $20 Door
7pm - 1am
entertainemnet by Vaudevillion
Information and Prices Are Subject to Change. A nominal service charge of $4.00+HST applies to each ticket purchased. If applicable, a $3.25+HST print at home service fee will apply. All Sales Final – No Refund – No Exchange – No minors permitted in halls except on Family Days. For tickets & information: Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Official Retail Store 519-570-4267 x233 or visit us online at www.oktoberfest.ca.
Elmira Kiwanis Haus Lions’ Hall (Kiwanis Club of Elmira) (S)
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ACCREDITED PARTNERS
ACCOMMODATIONS Best Western PLUS Cambridge Hotel
730 Hespeler Road, Cambridge 519-623-4600 sales@bwcambridge.com www.bwcambridge.com Welcome to the Best Western PLUS Cambridge Hotel, where you will find our friendly staff, exceptional customer service & many other comforts for an inviting place to stay. We are located at Hwy. 401, minutes away from the heart of Oktoberfest activities held in Kitchener & Cambridge. Our spacious guest rooms & suites are fully equipped with a refrigerator, free wireless high-speed internet & a 37” flat screen TV. Other amenities included in your rate are a hot buffet breakfast served in our newly renovated lobby. Our indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub area has been renovated and designed for your enjoyment. We also offer an on-site fitness facility. Please contact us directly and take advantage of our special Oktoberfest rate starting at just $99.00 plus tax.
Best Western Kitchener Hotel 2899 King Street E., Kitchener 519-894-3500
www.bestwestern.com Welcome to the Best Western KitchenerWaterloo Hotel near Fairview Park Mall. We are conveniently located and close to all major tourist attractions within the Region, minutes away from the city’s attractions and points of interest and the heart of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest activities. All guest rooms are 100 per cent non-smoking and feature a 32” LCD TV, microwave, and refrigerator. We offer a delicious complimentary hot breakfast.
Courtyard by Marriott WaterlooSt. Jacobs 50 Benjamin Road W., Waterloo 519-884-9295
www.courtyardwaterloo.com The Courtyard by Marriott Waterloo St. Jacobs is within walking distance to the St. Jacobs Farmers Market, Outlet Mall,
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Waterloo Central Railway, next door to the St. Jacobs Playhouse Theatre and just a short distance to the Village of St. Jacobs. Whether attending Oktoberfest events or festhallen, the Courtyard Waterloo St. Jacobs is the place for you! Ask us about our Theatre or Mennonite packages.
Crowne Plaza KitchenerWaterloo 105 King Street E., Kitchener 519-744-4141
scurrie@cpkw-hotel.com www.crowneplaza.com Located in the Market District of downtown Kitchener and within walking distance to many restaurants and attractions, The Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo was designed with modern style and amenities to help our guests relax, rest and connect so you may continue on your journey to success. As Kitchener’s premier full service hotel and conference center, we offer 201 modern guestrooms, 15 000 square feet of meeting/event space, onsite restaurant and lounge, indoor swimming pool, extensive fitness and recreation center with two bowling lanes, mini putt and more. The Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo completed an extensive Multi-Million dollar renovation in 2014/2015.
Delta Waterloo
110 Erb Street W., Waterloo 519-514-0404 wat.reservations.sm@deltahotels.com www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ykfdw-delta-waterloo Allow the Delta Hotel Waterloo to set a new standard for style and sophistication. Our hotel features an incomparable location in UpTown Waterloo, allowing for convenient travel to a wealth of exciting attractions in vibrant Kitchener-Waterloo. Overflowing with boutique amenities, our hotel rooms offer sleek modern design and plenty of space to unwind after a long day. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, you can make use of our wide assortment of helpful amenities. Work out on your own schedule at our 24-hour fitness centre, take a refreshing dip in our indoor pool
or savor a handcrafted meal at our signature Proof Kitchen & Lounge. In addition, our central location places you near the University of Waterloo, Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory and much more. Savvy travellers choose the Delta Hotel Waterloo.
Four Points by Sheraton Cambridge-Kitchener
210 Preston Parkway, Cambridge 519-653-2690 frontdesk@fourpointscambridgeon.com www.fourpointscambridgekitchener.com Ein Prosit! Four Points by Sheraton Cambridge-Kitchener will celebrate Oktoberfest once again this year, honouring the largest Bavarian Festival in North America. Located just off HWY 401, the hotel is the perfect location for any occasion. Stay connected with fast & free WIFI or 24-hour Business Centre which has desktop computers and printing services. We also have a convenient on-site restaurant, salt water pool and fitness centre. We look forward to seeing you soon! *room rates are per room, per night based on availability for the standard room with up to two people in the room*
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waterloo-St. Jacobs 14 Benjamin Road, Waterloo 519-772-9800
hiexwaterloosj@hotmail.com www.hiexpress.com/waterloosj Our Award Winning Hotel is only steps away from the St. Jacobs Farmers Market and Outlet Mall. Every room in our IHG Brand Hotel comes with a mini fridge, microwave, Keurig® tea and coffee maker as well as a built in safe. Enjoy our complimentary hot buffet breakfast served daily from 6am-10am with eggs, bacon, make-your-ownpancakes, hot & cold cereals, cinnamon buns and much more. We have an indoor heated pool and a high tech fitness facility. Our hotel has complimentary WIFI and parking. We look forward to having you stay with us at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Waterloo St.Jacobs. Ein Prosit!
ACCREDITED PARTNERS Homewood Suites by Hilton® Waterloo/St. Jacobs
Radisson Hotel Kitchener- Waterloo
yhmsj_ds@hilton.com
whg7107res@whg.com www.radisson.com/kitchenerca Ein Wiesn-Schmankerl -Hoch lebe die Weisswurst! A warm welcome to Oktoberfest guests to the newly renovated Radisson Hotel K-W, where we take pride in personal and friendly service! Well-appointed guestrooms and one bedroom suites, each with a fridge, microwave, free internet, flat screen TV and in room movies. Enjoy our heated indoor pool or workout in our fitness centre. Free parking and 4 amazing onsite restaurants. We are 100% non-smoking and pet friendly! Centrally located with easy access to major highways and within 10 minutes to many Oktoberfest Festhallen and events!
45 Benjamin Road, St. Jacobs 519-514-0088
www.homewoodsuites.com A modern, extended-stay hotel set in the Waterloo Region of Southern Ontario. Homewood Suites by Hilton Waterloo/St. Jacobs boasts a fantastic location within walking distance of St. Jacobs Outlet Mall, the Farmers Market and the charming village of St. Jacobs. Each of our comfortable one-and two-bedroom suites features a separate living area, complimentary internet access, a spacious desk and an LCD TV. Prepare meals in the kitchen that has a cooktop, microwave, dishwasher and full size refrigerator. Savor a complimentary hot full breakfast each morning of your stay, and after a busy day, relax with our complimentary evening social (Monday through Thursday). Buy snacks, gifts and sundries in our on-site shop. Exercise in the fitness center, improve your golfing skills on the putting green or refresh in the indoor swimming pool.
Olde Heidelberg Restaurant, Tavern & Motel
3006 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg 519-699-4413 heidelbergrestaurantandtavern@gmail.com www.oldhh.com Join us for a family meal in the restaurant, bring your friends in for a pint or two in the tavern, or spend the night in one of our comfortably furnished, reasonably priced motel rooms. Established in 1860 as a stage coach stop, the Heidelberg Restaurant and Tavern is renowned for its generous servings of ribs, pigtails, smoked pork hocks, sausages, schnitzel, sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. Specializing in German and Canadian style dishes. Located just 5 minutes north of Waterloo, we serve up Oktoberfest all year long.
2960 King Street E., Kitchener 519-894-9500 or 800-967-9033
The Walper Hotel
20 Queen Street S., Kitchener 519-745-4321 x112 www.walper.com Immerse yourself in the historic charm of the Walper Hotel, Kitchener-Waterloo’s Boutique Hotel. This iconic 1893 landmark building is in the epicentre of Kitchener’s oldest neighbourhoods, now a hub of vibrant growth partly due to the buzzing tech scene of the WaterlooToronto Tech Corridor. You’ll be captivated by this hotel’s amazing past and charmed by its contemporary flare. Whether you are looking to tie the knot, host a corporate event or have a drink at our 2nd floor cocktail lounge, The Walper Hotel has everything you need. Our Boutique hotel will make your stay a unique experience and we will cater to your wants and whims. We are truly unlike other Kitchener-Waterloo Hotels.
The Inn of Waterloo & Conference Centre *Official Hotel of KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest* 475 King Street N., Waterloo 519-804-1130 or 1-866-875-6410 info@theinnofwaterloo.com
www.theinnofwaterloo.com While it might come as a surprise that one of the largest convention hotels in Waterloo, Ontario is also its warmest and most personable, the newly redesigned Inn of Waterloo takes great pride in surprising our guests every day – with an award-winning lobby design, contemporary accommodations, a heated saltwater pool and impressive meeting rooms for weddings, conferences and gatherings of any size. Even our setting - overlooking 19 leafy acres next to a conservation creek comes as an unexpected delight. Stay at our independently owned destination and you’ll enjoy the very best service from a management and staff that take pride in customer care. We are here to exceed all guest expectations, even the ones you didn’t know you had.
DINING Blackshop Restaurant
595 Hespeler Road., Cambridge 519-621-4180 www.blackshop.ca A Cambridge landmark, this lively restaurant offers both inventive and traditional cooking, delivered in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. The restaurant’s ambience is comfortable and appealing, providing quality food, at the right price in an unpretentious way. Located on Hespeler Road, 2 sets of lights south of the 401, beside the Travelodge Hotel.
Grainharvest Breadhouse 3-105 Lexington Road, Waterloo 519-725-1920
info@grainharvest.ca www.grainharvest.ca An artisan bakery located in Waterloo, ON. The Bakery started in 1989 and has its roots in the European art of baking. We are focused on crafting good tasting breads without all the added junk you find unfortunately in a lot of commercial bread. Offering a variety of breads with alternative grains; there’s also a division called Circle of Life fully dedicated to wheat free and gluten free baking. Visit one of their stores in
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ACCREDITED PARTNERS Waterloo, Kitchener and at the St. Jacobs Farmers Market. Grainharvest Breadhouse has been the official Supplier of the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Pretzel for the past 20 years!
Little Mushroom Catering
290 Thompson Drive, Unit #5, Cambridge 226-791-4537 info@littlemushroomcatering.com www.littlemushroomcatering.ca Little Mushroom Catering is a FullService Event Catering company specializing in Weddings, Corporate and Private Special Occasions. From the first point of contact to the last bite, Little Mushroom is the Region’s favourite caterer for innovative & sustainable custom catering for 20 to 2000 guests. We provide rentals and service, event planning and vendor referrals, from hors d’oeuvres to cakes, and everything in between. Little Mushroom Catering is proud to be the only Feast On Certified Caterer in Waterloo through the Culinary Tourism Association. Book them for your next event or follow them on social media @CateringFungi!
Harmony Lunch
90 King Street. N., Waterloo 519-886-4721 www.harmonylunch.ca Homestyle cooking. No fuss, no muss, Delicious burgers and heaps of fried onions; our expanded menu includes the staples you’ve come to love over the years. Oh, and we now serve breakfast seven days a week AND are open until 2AM Thursday-Saturday. We even have a “Harmony Old & Precious Special” for seniors: A burger and pop for $6. See you soon!
Lou Dawg’s Southern BBQ
Marbles Casual Fine Dining 8 William Street East., Kitchener 519-885-4390
www.marblesuptown.com Enjoy an outstanding selection of inspired North American dishes, including fresh, made-from-scratch soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, burgers, fish and steak. Marbles is an exceptional casual dining and socializing venue with an upbeat urban atmosphere. Serving a seasonal Oktoberfest menu to get you in the spirit!
Sole’s Restaurant & Wine Bar 83 Erb Street West., Waterloo 519-747-5622
www.kmetro.ca Metro Restaurant has been proudly serving customers since 1961. Specializing in preparing and serving authentic delicious tasty schnitzels. Metro Restaurant is passionate about the fascinating history of this European delicacy. Fully Licensed L.L.B.O
www.sole.ca Sole Restaurant and Wine Bar is situated in a 150 year old Seagram’s building, minutes west of the Waterloo Uptown Core. The interior soars two stories high to a timber frame ceiling, exposed brick and generous wood finishes, set the tone for an elegant yet casual experience. The menu will transport your palate to the Mediterranean. Items ranging from thin crust pizza, pastas, vegetarian entrees, steaks, to rack of lamb will satisfy any appetite. An extensive wine list, great selection of Scotch, local and imported beers on tap complement the experience. Service is professional yet friendly. Sole is waiting to take you away and deliver a complete dining experience.
Morty’s Pub
The Boathouse
mortys@rogers.com www.mortys.com Morty’s Pub has been a community staple since 1981. We are proud of our home-made menu items like the daily soup, pizzas, panzerottis, huge 10oz burgers, various pub fare, different sandwiches and salads, and of course our famous chicken wings. Morty’s consistently strives to deliver a memorable and fun experience with great food and service. After three and a half decades, we are still an independent, Waterloo family-owned business. Morty’s is home to many, and we hope that you feel at home when you are in our home!
www.kwboathouse.ca We sell German food all year round, not just during Oktoberfest! Enjoy a Schnitzel amid the autumn colours of Victoria Park.
Metro Restaurant
164&168 Victoria Street N., Kitchener 519-578-9189
272 King Street N., Waterloo 519-886-0440
80 King Street South, Waterloo 519-208-3294
Rustico Kitchen & Bar
www.loudawgs.com Our vision is to provide high quality, fresh, delicious and affordable food, served by good, down to earth, friendly people, in a comfortable atmosphere that celebrates the warmth of Southern Culture, COMMUNITY and the best in Live Blues, Funk, Soul, Jazz and Country music.
www.kmetro.ca Rustico boasts a delicious menu with a little something for everyone. Handcrafted pasta and pizza, inventive dinner features and sophisticated cocktails all made from fresh ingredients and served by knowledgeable friendly staff
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will keep you wanting more, good for groups, walk-ins welcome
907 Victoria St. North 519-576-6737
57 Jubilee Drive., Kitchener 519-749-8080
TWH Social Bar & Bistro 1 King Street West., Kitchener 519-745-8478
www.twhsocial.com Welcome to Downtown Kitchener’s destination for community and conversation. Tucked beneath the iconic Walper Hotel, our attentive and neighbourly staff welcome you to enjoy seasonal ingredients done well, with a thoughtfully sourced menu focused on sustainability and diversity.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Centre in the Square
101 Queen St. N., Kitchener 519-578-1570 www.centreinthesquare.com Centre in the Square is Waterloo Region’s largest and busiest performing
ACCREDITED PARTNERS CATEGORY NAME arts centre. For more than 35 years they have played a leading role in showcasing the best local and international performing arts. Their venue boasts a main hall, which is acknowledged as a technically state-of-the-art theatre, making it acoustically superior and widely regarded as one of the finest performance spaces in North America.
Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort 396 Morrison Rd., Kitchener 519-894-5610
guestservices@chicopee.ca www.chicopee.ca Chicopee has been a not-for-profit pillar in this region since 1934, and is proud to be a year-round resort and an accredited festhalle. Founded as a Ski Club, Chicopee now services the entire Waterloo Region as a year-round facility, offering unique fun-filled experiences. Our 165 acres offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter season, and in the green season we become home to our amazing summer camps and outdoor adventures. Chicopee offers biking, hiking, tennis, beach volleyball, disc golf and a full outdoor Adventure Climbing Centre complete with low ropes, vertical playground and rock climbing facility. Our 20,000 sq ft chalet houses our full service Food & Beverage and banquet areas. Chicopee offers unique event opportunities, an amazing place to host your wedding or life celebration, or green space to bring your team, organization or office for an outdoor adventure. We invite you to come and create your own unique and memorable experiences with us.
Drayton Entertainment
46 Grand Avenue S., Cambridge 1-855-372-9866 www.draytonentertainment.com boxoffice@draytonentertainment.com Drayton Entertainment is a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization, and one of Canada’s most successful professional theatre companies. From Broadway Musicals, to laugh-a-minute comedies and high energy tribute shows, Drayton Entertainment presents the finest in live theatre for all ages at
seven unique venues accross Ontario: the Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, the Dunfield Theatre in Cambridge, Huron County Playhouse and Playhouse II in Grand Bend, King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene and the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and the Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs. Visit the website for a complete listing of all shows for every theatre.
Snyders Family Farm & Fear Farm
15 Minutes from Kitchener-Waterloo 519-632-7356 www.snydersfarm.com Because it takes a farm to GROW this much fun. 16 fun attractions, 4 food pavilions, and our new Farm Bakery. 25 acres of pumpkins, we have something for everyone. So spend a day in the country with Snyder’s Farm. Open every day!!!! Fear Farm, 5 terrifying attractions on a 100 acre farm. If you are BRAVE enough, don’t miss this, 50 actors, amazing props, and the biggest Halloween destination in the region. www.fearfarm.com
St. Jacobs Farmers Market 878 Weber Street N., Woolwich 519-747-1830
markets@stjacobs.com www.stjacobs.com Two minutes south of the Village of St. Jacobs, explore the abundance of meats & cheese, fresh produce, baked goods, international delicacies, arts and crafts, quilts, home furnishings and spectacular flea market, plus, buskers, pony and kiddie rides at Canada’s largest Farmers’ Market! Indoor and outdoor farm-fresh fun for the whole family. Open Thursday & Saturday year-round from 7am-3:30pm, and Tuesdays mid-June to the last Tuesday in August from 8am–3pm.
created and toured by the Waterloo Region Museum, explores how women have transformed Canadian politics, work, and everyday life. Trailblazing highlights the experiences of women - mothers, sisters, daughters, partners, and friends - from all walks of Canadian life. The exhibit also examines work that still needs to be done in the 21st century with respect to women’s rights, different experiences based on race, class and ethnicity, and the experiences of the ‘everyday’ woman. Waterloo Region Museum is working with a group of advisors - womens’ history professors - from the University of Waterloo. Input from the public and various groups from across Canada are also influencing the design and content of the exhibit.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS Brentwood Livery
299 Bridge Street E., Kitchener 519-741-5700 www.brentwoodlivery.ca Brentwood Livery offers clients the highest quality in chauffeured limousine service, customized to meet and anticipate corporate or social travel needs. Serving the Waterloo Region and surrounding area, their ever-growing fleet contains some of the finest chauffeured vehicles on the road today. Trained in every etiquette and procedure for different events and clientele, the distinguished chauffeurs provide a concierge level of service that may surprise you! Make one call and then don’t lift another finger... unless it’s to lift a glass of champagne as you relax, or to leverage your travel time by maximizing your work in a private space. Complete peace-of-mind with courtesy, discretion, and quality.
Waterloo Region Museum
10 Huron Road, Kitchener 519-748-1914 waterlooregionmuseum@regionofwaterloo.ca www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca What has it meant to be a woman in Canada throughout its 150 year history? This nationally travelling exhibit,
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ACCREDITED PARTNERS Over the Limit Designated Drivers Kitchener and Waterloo Area 888-594-9144
overthelimit@hotmail.com www.overthelimitdd.com Over The Limit Designated Drivers serves Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo and Guelph, plus surrounding areas, and has over 20 local vehicles to serve your needs. They are not a taxi company; however, they are in the business of supplying you with a Designated Driver to get you and your car home from the event you have been to. Once you call them, they will dispatch one car with two drivers. One driver will drive you and your guests home in your own vehicle, while the other car follows behind to pick your driver up at the end of the ride. You do not need to be under the influence of alcohol to use our service – medical appointments with at least 24 hour notice can be arranged. We are open 7 days a week, 364 days a year, from 6pm to 4am. If you wish, you may contact them to pre-book your ride.
The Stag Shop 10 Manitou Drive., Kitchener 1585 Victoria Street N., Kitchener 7 King Street N., Waterloo www.stagshop.com Canada’s number 1 Adult store, independently owned locally operated and family run, Stag Shop has been enhancing sex-positive attitudes since 1972. Built on product knowledge and customer service, Stag Shop is committed to providing outstanding service in a relaxed shopping atmosphere. Offering something for almost every fantasy and taste, KW’s original adult fun store carries a wide variety of quality adult & novelty products at competitive prices. For over forty years Stag Shop has enhanced the sexual well-being of local Tri-City fun loving adults and helped make sex fun!
computer-dispatched fleet. The fleet consists of 81 vehicles and 5 wheelchair accessible passenger vans. (80% of those are hybrid vehicle, making United Taxi one of the most green taxi companies around). United Taxi was established in 1946 and the company’s vision ever since then has always been to go “above and beyond” in regards to customer service and to also stay ahead of other cab companies within our region as well. Our track record over these numerous years reflects the above statement. We have received the Kitchener Record Reader Select Award for “Favorite Taxi Company” five years (2008,2010,2011,2012) and a large number of our drivers are trained in Basic First Aid and CPR.
United Taxi
150 Victoria Street N., Kitchener www.unitedtaxi.ca United Taxi is Kitchener-Waterloo areas largest taxi company and most modern
Chicopee.ca
VOTED #1 FURNITURE CHAIN IN KITCHENER
Festhalle Night (8 PM to 1 AM)
SAT October 7th • FRI October 13th • SAT October 14th
Oktoberfest Dinner
Plated gourmet dinner at 7:00 PM (MUST BE PRE-PURCHASED)
KEG TAPPING • ALPINE CHALET • OUTDOOR DECK PUMPKIN TREBUCHET & CANNON TWISTS ON TRADITIONAL GERMAN FOOD AND DRINK AWARD-WINNING BLACKWATER DRAW BAND
CALL US NOW! 519.894.5610 396 MORRISON ROAD | KITCHENER
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286 FAIRWAY ROAD
CATEGORY NAME
S H OP
FUN FE S T
THIS YEAR DON’T JUST JOIN THE PARTY...
BE THE PART Y!
FESTIVAL GEAR, UNIQUE GIFTS, FESTHALLE TICKETS & SOUVENIRS! WWW.OKTOBERFEST.CA • 519-570-HANS • 17 BENTON STREET, KITCHENER www.oktoberfest.ca 43
EXCITING ENTERTAINMENT COMING YOUR WAY
Concerts & family shows & comedy & more
Family dining in a historic 1860 stage coach stop. Traditional German Food
For a full listing of 2017/18 shows visit centreinthesquare.com
Comfortable Motel Rooms Electric Thursdays™ and Classic Albums Live Sponsor
OnStage Programming Sponsor
3006 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg Only 5 minutes North of Waterloo
519.699.4413
䌀氀甀戀 漀昀 䬀椀琀挀栀攀渀攀爀 䜀爀愀渀搀 刀椀瘀攀爀
䄀刀吀 伀䈀䔀刀䘀䔀匀吀
䘀漀爀 䴀漀爀攀 䤀渀昀漀爀洀愀琀椀漀渀㨀 爀漀琀愀爀礀愀爀琀漀戀攀爀昀攀猀琀䀀最洀愀椀氀⸀挀漀洀 ⨀䄀挀挀爀攀搀椀琀攀搀 攀瘀攀渀琀
www.oldhh.com
SAT., SEPTEMBER 23RD TO SUN., OCTOBER 15TH
Experience a TASTE OF OKTOBERFEST at participating restaurants! Blackshop Restaurant Concordia Club Harmony Lunch Lou Dawg’s Southern BBQ Marbles Casual Fine Dining Metro Restaurant
Morty’s Pub Rustico Kitchen & Bar Sole Restaurant & Wine Bar The Boathouse TWH Social Bar & Bistro
sponsored by:
Visit tasteofoktoberfest.oktoberfest.ca for a complete list of restaurants, and detailed menu information
Accident, Injury & Disability Law
NELCO MECHANICAL LTD …Since 1906
PARTNERS
THANK YOU TO OUR 2017 SPONSORS
MEDIA PARTNERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2017 Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Inc.
Board of Directors President
1st Vice-President
Past President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director at Large
Director - Marketing
Director- Business and Strategic Development
Director German Heritage
Director Event Productions
Director-Parade
Director KWO Productions
Director Family & Cultural Events
Director - Sport
Margo Jones
Tim Beckett
Andrew Roth
Tony Papa
Allan Cayenne
Jack Bishop
Bob Foster
Vic Degutis
Tim Hattle
Danielle Fritsch
Meghan Hennessey
Director Business Development
Kelly Wilker
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Harry Vogt
Scott Henderson
Director at Large
Rob Orendi
Jean Weiler
Interim Executive Director
Alfred Lowrick
VOLUNTEER CHAIRS
2017 Volunteer Chairs COMMITTEE ........................................................... CHAIR
A Blooming Affair............................. Tara Hebblethwaite Archives.................................................Heidi Peller-Oliver Audit.................................................................Mark Eamer Ceremonies.......................................................Ellen Straus Conventions..................................................Art Primosch Corporate Sponsorship................................. Kelly Wilker Culinary..............Catheryne McCutcheon & David Wilk Downtown Production.....................................Tim Hattle FCE Community Partnerships.......Stephanie Grebinski Festival Entertainment................................. Ed Gierscher Festival Promotions.......................................Scott Toman Festhallen Operations & Accreditation .......Rob Hesch Fusstoberfest..................................................Erik Lowrick Gemuetlichkeit..............................................Art Primosch German Heritage.............................................. Bob Foster Hospitality........................................................... Rick Prack
COMMITTEE ........................................................... CHAIR
KWO 5K Fun Run........................................Sue MacNeil Maypole ............................................................John Strong Miss Oktoberfest/Gala Ball ................. Cindy Coombes Oktoberfest Car Show.............................Rick McDonald Oktoberfest Golf Experience......................Craig Moore Oktoberfest Mascots.......................................Mark Potter Onkel Hans Food Drive........................... Jackie Herrgott Parade.............................................................Eric Scheffler Presidents’ Invitational Luncheon.................Harry Vogt Public Relations .........................................Patti McKague Schools...............................................................Lisa Fritsch Treasure Hunt................................................Mike Gentile VIP Tours......................................................Alli Bearinger Volunteers.........................................................Jillian Grant Women of the Year.............................Kerry-Lynn Wilkie
K-W OKTOBERFEST INC. would like to thank its 500 volunteers, who give so generously of their time and talent throughout the year to make Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival.
T REA SURE HUNT
FIND THE KEY TO $3,000! Here’s How:
• Beginning Monday, September 25th, one clue will be given daily, Monday through Friday, in the morning on Country 106.7 and will appear in that day’s Waterloo Region Record. • Previously released clues will be on display at all Sobeys locations in Kitchener-Waterloo.
X
Plus! Daily Draws for 100 Manulife Bank Bucks to spend at the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Official Retail Store! • Complete contest details at participating sponsor locations and at www.oktoberfest.ca.
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EVENTS
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
A Blooming Affair Fashion Show
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest celebrates beauty, fashion and style at the annual A Blooming Affair Fashion Show presented by Heffner Lexus. For over 40 years, A Blooming Affair has been the fall fashion event in Waterloo Region, featuring an amazing selection in ladies, men’s and children’s wear from many of the area’s leading independent retailers. A Blooming Affair consistently attracts over 900 attendees each year, offering an entertaining fashion show, the opportunity for guests to shop at the trendy Total Woman Magazine Boulevard of Boutiques, and a chance to win a great selection of prizes and gifts. The show also features an outstanding raffle with a portion of proceeds going to support the Child Witness Centre. Advance tickets are recommended for this popular event and are available through the Official Retail Store
(519-570-4267 x233) or online at www.oktoberfest.ca. General Admission Tickets are $40 each; VIP Admission Tickets are $50 each.
A Blooming Affair Fashion Show Wednesday, October 4, 2017 6pm T otal Woman Magazine Boulevard of Boutiques 7:30pm Fashion Show Lot 42 Global Flex Campus, 41 Ardelt Place, Kitchener
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Rogers Women of the Year The K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year ceremony recognizes women from all walks of life, who have made a difference in the community and in the lives of others. The evening brings into the spotlight outstanding women from the Region of Waterloo, recognizing their talents, commitment and achievements by presenting awards in ten categories: - Arts & Culture - Community Service - Entrepreneur - Group Achievement - Health & Wellness - Lifetime Achievement - Professional - Sports & Recreation - STEM - Young Adult 50 www.oktoberfest.ca
The K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year recognizes and honours all nominees, not just the recipients. Each nominee, regardless of the category, reaches out and touches the lives of others in some way, every day. Women all over Waterloo Region are reminded just how much their community appreciates their contributions and commitments. Tickets are $40+HST and are available online at www.oktoberfest.ca.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year Thursday, October 5, 2017 7:00pm Lot 42 Global Flex Campus, 41 Ardelt Place, Kitchener
CATEGORY NAME
In Studio Weekdays 1 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. Get into the spirit of Oktoberfest, and everything else going on in the region with our new show In Studio on Rogers tv . TM
Join us weekdays as guests dish about all things local – from cuisine to healthy lifestyles, home improvements to local events. Stay connected to what’s happening in and around Waterloo Region with In Studio!
@RogerstvWR
RogerstvWR
rogerstv.com
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THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Thanksgiving Day Parade
Parade
Join us for Canada’s Greatest Thanksgiving Day Parade on Monday, October 9, 2017
It has often been said that everyone loves a parade, and the 150,000 people in attendance at our spectacular Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade are no exception. This year we feature the same great parade, but you’ll get to watch it from a different angle. Our Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade route will commence at 8:45am from Weber and Frederick Street in downtown Kitchener. The parade will stay on Weber Street until it reaches Bridgeport Road in Waterloo. Dispersing in the Sobey’s Plaza at Bridgeport Road and Weber Street in Waterloo. The parade will be filled with many colourful floats, marching bands and special entries that are part of this annual event. Some of the featured bands include the Burlington 52 www.oktoberfest.ca
Teen Tour Band, the Ceremonial Band of the Waterloo Region Police Service, Top Hat Marching Orchestra and Primetime Brass. Bleacher seating is available for $8 a person and can be purchased through the KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest Official Retail Store. Share in the spirit of Thanksgiving by helping the community with the Onkel Hans Food Drive. Bring your non-perishable food items to the Parade and volunteers will gather them. If you can’t join us in person, the CTV network broadcasts the Parade nationwide to over a million viewers. Check your local TV listings for air times. Special thanks to Maple Leaf, The Region of Waterloo and The Record for their support.
CATEGORY NAME
ONKEL HANS FOOD DRIVE THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE Monday, october 9, 2017 - 8:45aM Start
bring your canned & non-perishable food items to the parade
or DONATE
ONLINE AT OKTOBERFEST.CA IN SUPPORT OF
SCAN TO DONATE NOW!
www.oktoberfest.ca 53
AMBASSADORS
Onkel Hans
Who is that big, lovable orange guy you’ve seen around the Festival? Onkel Hans is the Official Mascot of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest and our Goodwill Ambassador. As the mascot, you will see his smiling face on buttons, pins, t-shirts, brochures, steins and other souvenirs! Created in 1974, Onkel Hans has come to symbolize the spirit of the Festival, with his jolly disposition and a warm smile for everyone he meets. During Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Onkel Hans is sure to make an appearance at each of the Festhallen and the many Family & Cultural Events in the region. He even appears ‘larger than life’ in the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade. He keeps busy throughout the remainder of the year, visiting special events to spread happiness and cheer. As a representative of the KitchenerWaterloo community, Onkel Hans has attended the Calgary Stampede, the Molson Indy, Quebec Winter Carnival and the Bavarian Festival in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Although he’s busy during Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Onkel Hans always has time to stop for a smile, a handshake, or even a photo – he looks forward to welcoming you! When you see Onkel Hans, make sure you take a #Hansie! Follow Onkel Hans on Facebook and on Twitter (@KW_Oktoberfest)!
Accident, Injury & Disability Law
Tante Frieda The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Family is back together! Tante Frieda will join Onkel Hans, and Ziggy unt Zaggy Steiner for Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest 2017. Thirty years ago, Frieda left KitchenerWaterloo to spread the Spirit of Gemuetlichkeit throughout the world. After a lengthy long distance relationship, Tante Frieda has returned to the loves of her life - Onkel Hans and Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival! Look for Tante Frieda at select KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest events. She would love to meet you! 54 www.oktoberfest.ca
Accident, Injury & Disability Law
AMBASSADORS
Miss Oktoberfest Miss Oktoberfest is our second most requested VIP, surpassed only by Onkel Hans. She is a favourite among the thousands of school children she comes in contact with during the Festival, through the Schools Program and family events. Making over 100 appearances each year, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade, she is an ambassador promoting this area’s unique German heritage, while increasing national and international interest in our community. As in previous years, an inspiring young woman from the Kitchener-Waterloo area will be selected to be our community’s Ambassador during this year’s Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest and throughout the coming year. Miss Oktoberfest 2017 will be crowned at the Miss Oktoberfest Gala Ball held on
Vanessa Buttinger, Miss Oktoberfest 2016
Friday, September 29 at LOT 42 Tickets are $150+HST per person and are available by request at katieo@oktoberfest.ca or 519-570-4267 x238.
ZIGGY & ZAGGY!
WELCOMING ZIGGY unt ZAGGY STEINER!
Ziggy unt Zaggy Steiner, the long-lost nephews of our goodwill Ambassador Onkel Hans (from his wife Frieda’s side of the family), are visiting from the Bayerischer Wald (Bavarian Forest Mountain Range). They have dedicated their lives to being ‘Masters of the Chicken Dance” and they love Molson beer! Look for Ziggy unt Zaggy at many Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest events in 2017!
For tickets and additional information visit
www.oktoberfest.ca
www.oktoberfest.ca 55
IN
CA
8 NAD E 1 A SINC
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What has it meant to be a woman in Canada throughout its 150 year history? This nationally travelling exhibit explores how women have transformed Canadian politics, work, and everyday life. Trailblazing highlights the experiences of women – mothers, sisters, daughters, partners, and friends – from all walks of Canadian life.
On exhibit
September 22, 2017 to January 7, 2018 Waterloo Region Museum 10 Huron Road, Kitchener, Ontario 519-748-1914 TTY: 519-575-4608 www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada
Department of Canadian Heritage / Museums Assistance Program
Le projet est financé en partie par le gouvernement du Canada
Programme d’aide aux musées (Patrimoine canadien)
KWO EXPERIENCE
The Kitchener-Waterloo
Oktoberfest Experience! Few people would argue that KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest has made a tremendous impact on the community over the past 48 years! Whether it’s contributing to the community, celebrating our German-Canadian heritage, bringing together thousands of volunteers, or taking Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest across the province, the festival offers a true Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Experience!
Giving Back to the Community!
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is a community-based Bavarian Festival that is committed to contributing to the social and economic vitality of Waterloo Region. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is the third most recognized event among Canadians and, for Kitchener-Waterloo, the festival is a binding element in our community. It’s an opportunity to gather and celebrate – a ritual observed with great enthusiasm and pride. On Thanksgiving morning, you will find over 150,000 people lining the parade route, where ecstatic children, neighbourly greetings and hot chocolate are regular fixtures. Kick up your heels at a Festhalle, sample some schnitzel, or dig into a pancake breakfast – you’ll do so among some of
58 www.oktoberfest.ca
the 700,000 folks who take part in the festival each year. The positive vibes at KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest are undeniable – and contagious. The positive effects are also relayed in terms of economics. A recent study found Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has a $21 million economic benefit to the region. Over the last 48 years an average of $1.5 million has been generated annually for not-for-profit groups, equaling over $60 million in funding for ice arenas, swimming pools, social clubs, parks, and social welfare facilities. Over the last 20 years, over 1.3 million pounds of food have been collected at the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade! Over the years tens of millions of visitors and locals have come to Waterloo Region to celebrate the spirit of Gemütlichkeit, explore our community and enjoy a real Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Experience!
Get Your Tracht On – What to wear at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
They are impossible to miss – those handsome men in long, woolen stockings and leather shorts held up by sturdy suspenders with intricate pewter fastenings, and sporting hats with feathery plumes. Or the fair maidens in their low–cut gathered white blouses with flowing skirts, topped with colourful aprons. Whether they are twirling around the Festhallen floors, or serving you pints of frosty beer, during Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest these delightful outfits, based on authentic German costumes, become the height of fashion. The Tracht you will see throughout Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, like most costumes, has dozens of variations and styles. The most commonly recognized attire includes the dirndl - a closefitting bodice combined with an apron in a different colour - for women, and Lederhosen - shorts made from leather and wool - for men. Although the traditional clothing is often
KWO EXPERIENCE
costly, it is easy to ‘get your Tracht on’ for a smaller budget! Grab an Oktoberfest hat, adorned with colourful feather plumes, or an Oktoberfest t-shirt sporting phrases like “I fear no beer at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest”. For a few dollars more, add a glass shooter around your neck, or a funny chicken hat, great for all the dancing you will be doing at the Festhallen celebrations! Of course, no matter what style or outfit you choose, the final must-have to ‘get your Tracht on’ this year is the commemorative pin. These pins are just one of the many traditions of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. Collect them or trade them, because the more you have – the more you want!
RIDE With Us! Here’s to Responsible Choices!
Good times, good friends, and good cheer! Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is proud to host the Free-Ride program. For the 32nd year, Molson, in conjunction with Grand River Transit, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, MTE Consultants, 105.3 Virgin Radio and our participating Festhallen, will provide free bus rides on both festival weekends in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. It’s a safe, convenient way for you to get home after a night of partying. Bus schedule information is available from the Festhallen. If you plan to drive, take part in the Pepsi Designated Driver Program, available at most
Festhallen. Simply register when you arrive, then enjoy drinking free Pepsi product during your stay. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is also continuing the tradition of safety by providing financial support to the Waterloo Regional Police for their RIDE program. It is part of our commitment to make sure all of our guests get home safely. An estimated 8,000 drivers, who successfully pass through a RIDE checkpoint during the Festival, will receive a booklet jam-packed with gift vouchers and discount coupons provided by our many sponsors. You will also be eligible to win valuable prizes in a draw held at the end of the Festival. We are proud to be paving the way for your safety. Please don’t drink and drive!
The Spirit of Giving!
Have you ever thought about the logistics of hosting over 700,000 participants during a nineday international festival, promoting the spirit of Gemütlichkeit? Although K-W Oktoberfest Inc. employs nine full-time staff, the Festival would not be possible without the dedication of over 500 volunteers, who help to stage Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival! Since 1969, our constant growth and success promoting a unique German heritage experience is a testament to our dynamic volunteers. www.oktoberfest.ca 59
KERRY-LYNN WILKIE
PENNY SWINSTON
CHRISTINA YEE
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
2016 Volunteers of the Year Penny Swinston Penny has been an active volunteer with Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest for the past 14 years. She has volunteered on several committees and that experience has given her a broad knowledge of the Festival. Her time in the hospitality industry has served her well as she is always helpful, courteous and happy at all the events she attends and is a real people person. Penny is a hardworking, dedicated volunteer who often flies under the radar every year but certainly deserves recognition. Kerry-Lynn Wilkie Kerry-Lynn has been the chair of the Women of the Year Committee for several years and has successfully made each year better for the women of Waterloo Region. She is a very passionate and caring individual who sets a goal each year to increase the amount of nominations received, with 58 nominations submitted in 2016, mission accomplished. She has displayed outstanding leadership as chair of the Women of the Year committee and is a mentor to her volunteers. Kerry-Lynn not only commits her time fully to her event, she is also a very strong supporter of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. Christina Yee Christina has been a volunteer with Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest for over 17 years with both the Miss Oktoberfest and Miss Oktoberfest Gala Ball Committees. She is currently a Vice-Chair and is instrumental in coordinating the candidates running for Miss Oktoberfest each year. She demonstrates dedication and passion in every detail of her volunteer position. Christina spends countless hours behind the scenes to make these two events successful. Her warmth and dedication to the candidates each year has resulted in friendships that last a lifetime.
60 www.oktoberfest.ca
HISTORY
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Our Glockenspiel The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Glockenspiel is a unique and dynamic symbol of the authentic traditions of Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival and our community’s rich German heritage. The Glockenspiel is a complex animated show depicting Grimm’s Fairy Tale ‘Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs’. The magnificent presentation includes three sliding stages, seven animated dwarfs and the three main character figures. The 23 bell clarions are programmed to play the music of the story, made popular by Walt Disney. The Glockenspiel was originally erected in 1976 in Downtown Kitchener, and was an instant success with both adults and children alike. In 2009, the Glockenspiel had to be removed from its location and put in storage, with the intention of resurrecting the community icon at a later date.
Now, thanks to the efforts of some dedicated volunteers and the committment of community partners, including the City of Kitchener and the German-Canadian Remembrance Society, refurbishment of the Glockenspiel is completed! Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest reintroduced this incredible piece of our heritage in the Fall of 2015.
KITCHENER-WATERLOO OKTOBERFEST
CAR SHOW SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2017
PROUDLY PRESENTED BY:
INN OF WATERLOO, 9AM-3PM 475 KING STREET N., WATERLOO • AMAZING CLASSIC CARS • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • OKTOBERFEAST FOOD TRUCKS
WWW.OKTOBERFEST.CA www.oktoberfest.ca 61
CATEGORY NAME
helping you
eat better.
feel better. do better.
7189
your destination for: fresh produce, fresh meat, groceries, snacks, ready made meals and catering.
6 convenient locations in Kitchener-Waterloo Visit sobeys.com for details
• 274 Highland Rd. West, Kitchener • 235 Ira Needles Blvd., Kitchener • 1187 Fischer-Hallman Rd., Kitchener 62 62 www.oktoberfest.ca www.oktoberfest.ca
• 94 Bridgeport Rd., Waterloo • 640 Parkside Dr., Waterloo • 450 Columbia St., Waterloo
CATEGORY NAME
Proudly Presents
FAMILY DAY in the FESTHALLEN
ALPINE CLUB
Sunday Oct. 8 (1pm - 7pm) Monday, Oct. 9 (1pm - 7pm)
ALTES MUENCHEN HAUS Monday, Oct. 9 (11am - 6pm)
UN EST F BERF FAMILY! O T K O OLE g HE WH FOR T Face Paintin ic • us M a lk nt e Po iv inMe l • terta s en id iz r k P es e • Fre gaMes and , s d e • rid ully license •F
CONCORDIA CLUB
Sunday, Oct. 8 (12pm - 6pm) Monday, Oct. 9 (11am - 6pm)
HUBERTUSHAUS
Sunday, Oct. 8 (11:30am - 4:30pm)
SCHWABEN CLUB
Sunday, Oct. 8 (11am - 4pm)
WWW.OKTOBERFEST.CA
FOR INFORMATIONwww.oktoberfest.ca & TICKETS!63
HISTORY
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
A community partnership A small celebration held at a Kitchener German club in 1967, has grown to become the nation’s largest community festival of its kind in North America, thanks to a 1969 initiative by the then Kitchener Chamber of Commerce. In the late 1960s, the Kitchener Chamber was responsible for promoting tourism in K-W through its Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB). VCB volunteers organized two events to do the job: a summer Heritage festival and a Winterfest. Both were abandoned after they failed to meet expectations. The Heritage Festival experienced poor attendance. Winterfest’s obituary was written in 1970 when January thaws, two years running, melted ice sculptures and affected snow related events. The idea that Oktoberfest could be the solution came to VCB organizers after witnessing an Oktoberfest staged in 1967 by Concordia Club to acknowledge Canada’s centennial and promote Canada’s multicultural character. Conceived by the club’s then manager, Julius Rauchfuss, the event ran four-days and attracted 2,500 revellers. The club decided to repeat the event in 1968. Attendance increased to 4,000. Chairman of the Chamber’s VCB at the time was Darwin Clay, President of Budd Automotive Canada. He enlisted two members recognized for their promotional talents to help organize a larger and broader based Oktoberfest: Richard (Dick) Hermansen, former Director of Public Affairs for Wilfrid Laurier University and Owen Lackenbauer, a Public Relations Manager with 64 www.oktoberfest.ca
BF Goodrich Canada. In early 1969, the trio met with executives of the local German-Canadian Clubs, service clubs and Bingemans to solicit their support and participation. Chamber directors greeted the initiative with a vote of confidence and $200 to help fund the event’s initial administrative needs. Volunteers were expected to do the rest. The 1969 KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest ran five days, starting with an inter-service club dinner at Bingemans on October 14th and ending Sunday, October 19th with an interdenominational church service organized by the K-W Council of Churches. The event at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium featured Cardinal Paul-Emile Leger and attracted an audience of 6,500. When the last steins were emptied, the 1969 festival recorded attendance of almost 70,000. Purchases of souvenirs, advertising and entertainment (beyond the Chamber’s $200 grant) were payable net 30. Much to the organizing committee’s relief, revenue covered all debts leaving a slight profit! The four local German-Canadian clubs at the time (Concordia, Transylvania, Schwaben and Alpine), Bingemans and the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium became festhallen. Budd Canada, J.M. Schneider, BF Goodrich, Kaufmans, Dutch Boy Food Markets and area restaurants contributed staff and products. A Budd Canada engineer organized the first Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade. A Miss Oktoberfest pageant was created. Visitors contributed thousands of dollars to the local economy and Kitchener-Waterloo achieved widespread publicity, setting the stage for the following year’s festival. Chamber president in 1969, Keith Staebler, realized the Chamber had a “tiger by the tail”, which needed to be nurtured carefully if it were to
realize its potential. Concerns were expressed that, if the festival was to be expanded to 10 days in 1970, as recommended by Clay and his organizing committee, year-round staff would be needed. Also worrying the Chamber was how it would safeguard the festival as a community owned event. The discussion led to the formation of K-W Oktoberfest Inc., a non-profit corporation separate from the Chamber and owned by all the citizens of Kitchener and Waterloo. Kitchener lawyer and committee member, Mike Walters, drew up its constitution and registered the festival’s name. All symbols and logos were copyrighted. Directors were elected; they included: Clay, Lackenbauer, Walters, Werner Metzger (Concordia Club), Michael Hoesch (Transylvania Club), Paul Weiner (Schwaben Club), Richard Mausser (Alpine Club), Lawrence Bingeman (Bingemans), Mayor Donovan Meston (Waterloo), Alderman Bob Wagner (Kitchener), Norman Schneider (JM Schneider), Dr. Jack Bishop, Barry Bernstein (Kitchener Downtown Business Association), Archie Gilles (Kitchener Chamber manager), M.L. “Spec” Turner (Waterloo Chamber manager), Joe Zuber Jr. (Inn of the Black Walnut), Fred Ryan (Waterloo Square Shopping Centre) and Bryce Rhunke (Fairview Shopping Centre). Hermansen was hired to manage the new entity. 1970 was the watershed year that established what is today’s nine-day Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, with its nationally telecast Thanksgiving Day Parade, Miss Oktoberfest, festhallen, family and sports activities and the involvement of local charities, service clubs, businesses and industry. More than 500 volunteers work year-round to make it all happen.
Over the years, the festival welcomed, among its many distinguished guests Pierre Trudeau, Raymond Burr, Arte Johnson, John Diefenbaker, the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Bobby Gimby, Robert Stanfield and John Candy, plus numerous sports and media celebrities. An Ontario Festivals and Events economic impact study conducted in 2003 registered an attendance of 587,000 during that year’s Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, of which 293,000 were from outside K-W. The equivalent of 733 full-time jobs were created. All three levels of government realized increased tax revenues. In non-economic terms, K-W’s image was enhanced and the community is known across Canada and the U.S. largely because of Oktoberfest. Today Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest’s direct economic benefit to the community is estimated to be at least $21 million annually. More than 700,000 people take part in the nine-day event. In recent years, several financial institutions, regional municipalities, and the Chamber sponsor an event called “Passport to Success” to attract new investment to the region. Outside business leaders are invited to experience KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest and become acquainted with our community, its leaders and opportunities. Unquestionably, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, now in its 49th year, is a boon to the entire region of Waterloo. It offers citizens a chance to unwind, celebrates the region’s heritage, attracts tourist revenue, creates jobs and generates international awareness and goodwill for our community. About the Author: Owen Lackenbauer, a retired public relations and communications consultant, is a long standing community leader with an impressive volunteer record with many organizations, including the Chamber and Kitchener- Waterloo Oktoberfest.
www.oktoberfest.ca 65
KWO ALL YEAR ROUND
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest All Year Round!
We bring the party to you! Let the “Spirit of Gemütlichkeit” continue year round! Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is taking the KWO Experience out into the world by bringing Oktoberfest to you! Why not launch your convention or function with some ‘oompah-pah’ or bid ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to your guests with a KitchenerWaterloo Oktoberfest themed party?
Conventions & Bus Tours Whether it’s for a group of 30 or 3,000, we can customize an Oktoberfest themed event that promises fun, good times and above all, a successful and memorable event for you and your guests! Use an Oktoberfest theme for your next awards night, fundraiser, retirement party, client appreciation event or convention. We can give your bus tour something to cheer about with a stop at one of our GermanCanadian Clubs for a Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest experience any time of year!
Decorating & Entertainment Step into a genuine Bavarian Festhalle atmosphere! Our team can decorate your venue to give your guests the feeling of walking into an authentic Festhalle! We can also arrange award winning Bavarian Bands with a repertoire of polkas, waltzes and contemporary music to suit any audience. Add a Bavarian Folk Dance Group for some traditional flavour in your entertainment!
Greetings & Ceremonies Your guests will be welcomed in the true spirit of Gemütlichkeit by our volunteers dressed in traditional Bavarian ‘Tracht,’ and will receive a souvenir upon entering! Official Keg Tapping Ceremonies are the highlight of our annual Festival and our re-enactment will create a sensation at your event! Two of 66 www.oktoberfest.ca
your guests can even assist our ‘Keepers of the Keg’ in the tapping, then all guests can fill their steins with a sample and raise up a toast with a traditional cheer of “Ein Prosit!” Official greetings from our President, Miss Oktoberfest and our Ambassador Onkel Hans add to the festivities, all under the guidance of our master of ceremonies! Contact us for more information about details and pricing!
K-W Oktoberfest Inc. 17 Benton Street, Kitchener, ON N2G 3G9 1-888-294-HANS or 519-570-4267 x 322 conventions@oktoberfest.ca
2017
A Proud Sponsor for the past 49 years 66 www.oktoberfest.ca