A fine beer can be judged with only one sip, but it’s better to be thoroughly sure — or so says an old European proverb. This month, beer aficionados rejoice as annual Oktoberfest events make their annual appearances worldwide. The Big Island is no exception, and this year Oktoberfest events in Kona and Waimea will give westside residents an opportunity to join in the festivities.
The original Oktoberfest is held each year in Munich, Germany, during late September and early October. It is attended by six million people each year and has inspired similar events around the world. Most Oktoberfest events were founded by German immigrants or their descendants.
On Hawaii Island, many of the local Rotary Clubs hold Oktoberfest events as fundraisers to support their community grants and scholarship programs.
“This is our 15th annual Oktoberfest, and it’s held at Pukalani Stables in Waimea, which is one of the original working stables of Parker Ranch,” said Erik Jacobson, president of Rotary Club of North Hawaii. “We’ll have live music, beer, and German-inspired food. The Kona Brass will be playing. They are a horn band that has played at a number of our events in the past.”
The first Oktoberfest took place in Munich in October 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Bavaria’s Crown Prince to the Princess of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Munich’s citizens were invited to partake in the festivities, and celebrate with music, dancing, and horse races. The multiday festival became an annual event, and Munich is now considered the official grounds of Oktoberfest.
Today, Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest public fair in the world. In addition to beer, there are amusement park rides and traditional German and Bavarian dishes including, roast pork, duck, salads, pretzels, tarts, and sweet and savory pies. Last year, more than 6.4 million people visited Oktoberfest in Munich, and the festival served 1.76 million gallons of beer.
Food and beer continue to be the main attraction at Oktoberfest around the globe, including the local events on Hawaii.
“We have volunteers from the community presenting the food. Redwater Cafe is taking care of the bratwurst and sauerkraut, and we have Pau Pizza bringing another German dish, as well. We have many members of the community and restaurants who are contributing, including Village Burger, Big Island Brewhaus, Earl’s, Dano-o’s Doner and Cocoa Lea,” said Jacobson.
Former North Hawaii Rotary Club president, Wally Wong, started the Oktoberfest event in Waimea 15 years ago. It started out small and has grown into an annual signature event that serves up to 450 people.
“It’s a friends and family gathering, and having food and drink as a community event is really the highlight,” said Jacobson. “We have games and activities that include tastings, and photo booths. This year we are partnering with Waimea County School who is having a silent auction during the festival that will financially benefit their students. It’s basically just a big town party.”
Every Oktoberfest is unique in the activities they offer. Some have parades, keg tapping ceremonies, beer gardens, costume contests, bratwurst eating contest, chicken dances, wiener races, keg tosses, and other games. Some Oktoberfest events stick with the basic beer and brats.
Whichever event you choose to attend, event organizers want to remind guests to stay safe and drink responsibly, or have a designated driver.
The North Hawaii Oktoberfest, which benefits the club’s community grants and scholarships, takes place Friday (tonight) from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pukalani Stables, behind Parker Ranch Square in Waimea. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at www.oktoberfesthawaii.com or from any North Hawaii Rotary Club Member. Each ticket includes all access to food stations and two drink tickets. For more information, call 895-1490.
The Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise will hold its annual fall fundraiser, the Harvest Moon Bash, Saturday at the Hawaii Big Game Fishing Club at Honokohau Harbor in Kona. The $35 admission fee includes pupu, a beer or nonalcoholic drink from Kona Brewing Co., and a choice of prime rib or vegetarian lasagna provided by Big Island Grill, as well as a chance to win many great door prizes including a koa table donated by Tess Rumley of Rumley Art and Frames. There will also be a silent auction and live music featuring Jack and the Rippers. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at the Queen K. Tesoro, Kailua Candy Co. and Westside Wines, or by calling Mike May at 756-5565.