German tradition circled downtown Lethbridge on the weekend as the city was brought together to celebrate this year’s Oktoberfest.
In what was the city’s fourth time hosting the event. Numerous people gathered at the Galt Gardens for live music, drinks, contests and much more.
Organizer John Porgorzelski says the event has a great impact on the community.
“We are able to bring people together that normally wouldn’t be together; everyone has a few drinks and has an all-around good time.”
Porgorzelski put on the world cup of soccer event in 2014 and with the huge success of that event, members of the community were asking him to put on something else.
This year’s event had many different attractions.
“There was a yodeling competition, sausage eating competition, best dressed competition, everyone got involved and that was great,” said Porgorzelski.
Porgorzelski also bought a new pop-up pub for the event, which he describes as like a bouncy house, but for adults.
In attendance of the event was Derek St. Jean, who thinks the event is a fantastic way to celebrate and bring people together.
“I personally love the event. It’s a great event to come back too; it’s kind of like the best first event of the year for students to take part in.”
St. Jean has been attending the event ever since it first started happening in Lethbridge, and plans to continue doing so each following year.
Live music was a major part of the weekend, with bands such as The Noteables, The Polkaholics, and Alpenshantz performing. Between the sets, a DJ played Bavarian music to keep the crowd going.
In 2016, the event ran out of beer, but this year was not the case, as local craft brewer Theoretically Brewing specially brewed up German Heffenweizen to ensure there would be no shortage.
Another individual who took in Oktoberfest was local resident Kyran Bowyer, who says he had a great time.
“It was my first year attending the event. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it turned out quite well. Everyone looked like they were having a good time.”
Oktoberfest is likely to be back in Lethbridge next year, as Porgorzelski hopes to host it again in 2018.