Kitchener-Waterloo·Photos

A look at the 2016 Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Parade

From bag pipes to pole rising, many families came out to enjoy the 2016 Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Parade.

Cash and food donations made to Onkel Hans Food Drive

Everyone's favorite Oktoberfest Onkel! (Joe Pavia/CBC)

People opened their wallets and kitchen cupboards to make a donation Monday at the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade for the Onkel Hans Food Drive.  

More that 4,500 kilograms of non-perishable food and $11,410 in cash to purchase additional food was collected along the parade route.

"The food bank is on its way to raising enough to provide the 790,000 meals needed this fall," said Wendi Campbell, executive director of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, in a statement.

"These meals will help the children, seniors, individuals and families that struggle to make ends meet know that they are valued and belong."

New for 2016 is an online donation feature that allowed parade spectators to donate from their smartphone which will remain open until the end of the festival Saturday, October 15.

On the parade route

The October chill didn't stop hundreds families from coming out to enjoy the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Parade. Like last year, the parade started at King and Cedar in Kitchener and made its way to Bridgeport Road in Waterloo. 

Here is a look at the 2016 Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Parade:

Many families eagerly wait for the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Parade. (Carmen Ponciano/CBC News)
And away we go for the 2016 Oktoberfest/Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Craig Norris/CBC News)
One of the many marching bands that brought a festive beat to the parade. This group was from the City of Burlington. (Craig Norris/CBC News)
The 'chops' are warmed up for the bagpipers playing 'Scotland Forever'. (Joe Pavia/CBC)
Many marching bands were a part of the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Parade including the Falun Dafa marching band. (Craig Norris/ CBC News)
How do they keep from getting dizzy? (Joe Pavia/CBC)
Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic at the Oktoberfest Parade. (Craig Norris/CBC News )
One of the many musical groups performing during the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Parade. (Craig Norris/ CBC News)
A flag bearer from the Concordia Club shares a warm smile with the crowd. (Joe Pavia/CBC)
Firing up the parade crowd at Oktoberfest 2016. (Joe Pavia/CBC)
Tall boys wow the parade crowd (Joe Pavia/CBC)
The Lakewood Rangers marching band also was one of the many that took part in the Oktobefest Thanksgiving Parade. (Craig Norris/ CBC News)
Chants of "raise that pole" from the crowd saw the May Pole reach its height! (Joe Pavia/CBC)