Oktoberfest

From schnitzel to sauerkraut, oompah loompah, and lederhosen, Oktoberfest Ladysmith has it all in a three-day celebration of authentic German cuisine, live music, dancing, costumes, and culture.

jFrom schnitzel to sauerkraut, oompah loompah, and lederhosen, Oktoberfest Ladysmith has it all in a three-day celebration of authentic German cuisine, live music, dancing, costumes, and culture.
It’s a celebration of heritage and traditions. This area has always been predominantly German and for years, they have passed on their customs from generation to generation within their families. Oktoberfest allows people from all over the Pontiac to share in the that heritage. It’s a fun and entertaining weekend for everyone.
Every year, more than 5,000 visitors fill the tiny town of 200 to enjoy the festival at the Thorne Recreation Centre (TCRA). There is so much to see and do. Visitors can try their hand at horseshoes, watch the truck and tractor pull, see the giant vegetable competition and enjoy the colourful costumes and floats at the Sunday parade.
Local vendors, crafters, and artisans fill the halls offering unique finds. There is a full line of souvenir merchandise available too including hats, t-shirts and hoodies.
Planning and preparation run all year round as the long-standing board of over 14 carefully oversees the schedule of events. In the weeks leading up to Oktoberfest, the kitchen gets busy as community members work together to prepare all the food.
If anyone wants to about learn about preparing authentic German cuisine, they are invited to join organizers in the kitchen. In the weeks leading up to Oktoberfest, they shred nearly half of a ton of cabbage for sauerkraut and make over 4,000 meatballs in preparation for the weekend.
Great food is everywhere at Oktoberfest. Authentic German dishes, desserts and non-alcoholic drinks are available in the main dining hall. Hot dogs or sausages can be found at the canteen. There is also the curious pairing of baked beans and popcorn at Wendy’s Porc and Beans. Wayne and Susan’s Chip Stand are also on hand serving burgers, dogs and fries.
The truck pull fills any appetite for excitement. Powerful trucks compete to pull weights across the field while making a terrible racket. Earphones are highly recommended. More pleasant sounds can be heard at the parade on Sunday afternoon. Participants parade in historic festival costumes. Men dress in lederhosen, leather shorts with suspenders, accessorized with long stockings and a feather hat. Women wear dirndls, single-piece dresses that include a skirt and low-cut blouse, covered with a bodice
More beautiful costumes can be seen when the Bavarian dancers take to the main stage in the Charles Bretzlaff building. Follow the sound of the oompah – loompah to find this talented troupe performing traditional dances in spectacular style.
Oktoberfest is great for Ladysmith and for the Pontiac, The committee funnels the majority of the money they make each year back into the community. Last year they donated over $31,000 to local charities, schools, arts, and community organizations. Over the past 34 years, we have raised over $345,000 and donated it back to the community. The full list of donations is on their website.”
Oktoberfest began as a wedding celebration more than 200 years ago when Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on Oct. 12, 1810. The wedding was celebrated with multiple days of drinking, feasting, and horse races. The celebration has since become an annual event.

HOW TO WEAR A DIRNDL

The Dirndl is the traditional Bavarian dress that originated in the 19th century. If you are already familiar with Lederhosen, then you can think of the Dirndl as the female counterpart. To tie on the apron, you typically wrap the long ties around your back and then make a bow on the front. When tying your Dirndl for Oktoberfest, however, you have to make sure to tie this bow on the correct side.
The left side means that you are single and ready to mingle.
Tying it on the right means that you are taken.