After a decade-long absence, Penticton Oktoberfest is celebrating its seventh year since returning.
Penticton is set to embrace the German tradition on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.
Between 700 and 750 people attend Penticton Oktoberfest for the past seven years.
“We’ve had six very successful Oktoberfests so this is our seventh coming up,” said Adolf Steffen, chair of the Penticton Oktoberfest Society.
This year a partnership with the Penticton Hospitality Association is set to bring record numbers of out-of-town visitors, Steffen said, with Oktoberfest hotel packages at $99 per couple.
“These special rates attracted a lot of attention. We expect another sell-out this year,” Steffen said.
Local and imported beer will be on tap including Erdinger, Stiegel and Cannery Brewing.
“We bring in different kinds of beers every year, some from Germany and some from Austria,” Steffen said. “Whatever went well last year we kind of try to bring back and maybe add one or two new ones.”
Wild Goose Vineyards from Okanagan Falls is going to be pouring their Riesling and Merlot. Pairing with the pours is the traditional Bavarian-inspired fare prepared by chef James Mathieson and the convention centre’s culinary team. The dinner features a “Hearty Party Sausage Plate” and the “King’s Table Chicken Dinner.” Alongside the dinner is house-made Okanagan apple strudel with real whipped cream. Bratwurst on a bun will be available for lighter bites as well. The Weisswurst and Bratwurst sausage are from Penticton’s A&K Grimm’s Sausage.
At the end of the night, attendees can hop on the Coconut Express for a safe ride to either the Penticton Lakeside Resort, Tug’s Taphouse or the Mule Nightclub.
Tickets are $35 (plus applicable service fees) and each ticket comes with a free beer. Tickets can be purchased at www.ValleyFirstTix.com, or in person at the Valley First Box Office in the South Okanagan Events Centre. Attendees must be 19 years of age or older.