(Spirit of Red Deer website)

By Alessia Proietti

'you can't beat it!'

No plans this Saturday? There’s still time to join the party at Red Deer’s Oktoberfest

Sep 19, 2023 | 1:42 PM

If Red Deer is looking quiet this Saturday night, it might be because they’re all at Westerner Park for this year’s Oktoberfest.

On September 23, Spirit of Red Deer, a local non-profit, is hosting their annual Oktoberfest celebration at Exhibition Hall (4847A 19 St.), starting at 6:30 p.m.

According to Britannica, the event is inspired by an annual two-week autumn festival from the year 1810 held in Germany, celebrating Bavarian culture, dancing, food and, of course, beer.

This year, each ticket includes a filled one-litre beer stein, which guests can take home, and three food station coupons. Attendees can also expect German music and dancing, two live bands, games, and lots of people wearing lederhosen, traditional German leather breaches.

Charlie Bredo, board member for the Spirit of Red Deer, says the event has grown over the years, with over 1,000 people in attendance in 2022.

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He believes the success of the event is in its unique simplicity, focusing on just having a a good night out with friends.

“It’s just [about] going to a community event and having a good time. There’s not really any agenda or anything, it’s just ‘go and have fun’. You have 1,000 people all just kicking back and relaxing, it’s just a great community party,” he said. “Good German food, good German music, good beer, good people; you can’t beat it.”

Bredo says that is also the mandate of the Spirit of Red Deer; to bring the wow-factor to the city through fun community events. Starting in 2018, he says they are volunteer run with all proceeds going back into the community for future events.

Having held curling bonspiels in the past, Bredo confirms Oktoberfest is currently their only event, with last year celebration raising roughly $50,000. He adds ideas already in mind for the future include a music and winter festival.

“We just want to make Red Deer better; that’s how communities tick,” he said.

Visit the Tickets Alberta website for more information and to purchase tickets.