K-W Oktoberfest back for 3 weekend events both in-person and virtual
2021 Oktoberfest pin to honour frontline healthcare workers
Kitchener Waterloo Oktoberfest will return for its 53rd year starting September 24th and will run over three weekends, with in-person and virtual events, before it wraps up on Thanksgiving Monday.
There will be the traditional keg tapping ceremony to officially open the event. And it will be capped off with a virtual Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade
Executive Director Alfred Lowrick says the festival has made some concessions for COVID-19 protocols but there are some new surprises this year.
"We have something new this year called our WunderWagon," said Lowrick. " We have a platform of a moving stage that will be going around to various restaurants and community centres through KW and Cambridge through September and October, and will bring Oktoberfest entertainment in a spirit of giving to the citizens of Waterloo."
The original nine day festival had an economic benefit of over $22 million. But Lowrick notes last year and this year those numbers will be drastically different
Area festhalls will be offering programs during the three week event. As well several restaurants will be transforming into Micro-Festhallen and will offer entertainment and Bavarian meals.
Pin honours healthcare workers
Frontline healthcare workers are being recognized on this year's KW Oktoberfest pin as mascot Onkel Hans is joined by caricatures of healthcare professionals all wearing masks.
Lowrick said he expects the 2021 pin to be as popular as last year.
"That will be available on our website to purchase. And it's celebrates our frontline healthcare workers," said Lowrick.
"A portion of the pin sales will go to Oktoberfest Cares fund, which supports Grand River Hospital and the Onkel Hans Food Drive. Those pins will go on sale Thursday at 10 o'clock and we will likely sell out. So get yours sooner than later."