Celebrating friends, family, and fall at Oktoberfest
Kristina Lawson enjoyed seeing her dad play in his band “Hat Trick” (Image: Garrett Steensland)
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Oktoberfest dates back to the year 1810 in Munich, Germany. Usually lasting around 16 days, the one-day version we see here in Klamath Falls is a mere glimpse into the over-the-top celebration held overseas.
Our version of the Bavarian festival has birthed into a welcomed tradition that many in our town look forward to with great anticipation. "Seeing Oktoberfest here brings me back home to Germany so that I can relive my life memories back there," says long-time resident of Germany, Diana Vin-Zant. She and her husband retired to Klamath Falls a few years back and have appreciated the celebration that the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA) puts on for the community.
Authentic Tyrolean hats are worn by Diana Vin-Zant and her husband, Steven Lutz. Each pin represents a different location they had been to over the 30 years they lived in Germany. (Image: Garrett Steensland)
The constant flow of people coming to and from the event showed colossal participation. An estimated 2,500 attendees gathered to partake in the celebration throughout the evening. Vehicles lined the venue’s roads for as far as the eye could see. Family-friendly activities such as Nerf wars, corn hole, hula hoops, and giant building blocks engaged the kids for hours in the perfectly manicured grass outside of the Running Y’s Bill Collier Ice Arena.
The central event location, however, was the ice arena itself. Vendors lined both sides of the arena while families settled into numerous tables in the center. At the far end was a stage and the primary sources of entertainment.
A series of bands circulated through the evening, captivating dancers of all ages. Men's and Women’s Steinholding competitions brought many laughs, cheers, and spilled beverages. A contest awarding the best traditional fashion also helped bring full audience participation into the evening festivities. Adults and kids came together in a fun-filled evening to see what Klamath Falls had to offer back to them.
“In 2019, we noticed that the brewing scene was starting to grow,” mentioned Andrew Stork, the operations and project manager of KCEDA. “Our objective was to figure out how to gain more exposure to Klamath Falls as a brewing area in the state and to also use it as an opportunity to showcase some of the best food and entertainment options in the area.”
Oktoberfest had nine breweries and one winery competing for voter’s choice. Each event patron could submit one vote for the best brew. Food vendors adjusted their menus to incorporate traditional German foods such as sausage & sauerkraut, fritters, and Bratwursts.
Local food vendors included Pourhorse Mobile Cantina & Libations, Running Y Resort, Victory Dogs, Shaka Bus Shave Ice, and Chelys Restaurant.
Local brewers included Mia & Pia’s Pizzeria & Brewhouse, Skyline Brewing Company, 12 Ranch Wines, North Forty, Sunriver Brewing Co., Wild Ride Brewery, Mother Earth Brewing Company, Walkabout Brewing Company, The Growler Guys, and Common Block Brewing Company.
Oktoberfest presented a tiny glimpse of what our community has to offer. Oftentimes, many small businesses go unnoticed. “The Klamath Basin Oktoberfest is designed to celebrate Klamath County and all that makes it special in a variety of different ways,” proclaimed Stork.
