Downtown Kitchener transformed into bustling Bavarian village
Downtown Kitchener has been transformed into a Bavarian village.
After years of pandemic restrictions, Willkommen Platz returned to King Street Thursday.
Crews were seen setting up before noon. The open-air festival venue stretches down King Street between Frederick Street and Kitchener City Hall.
“I am so excited to be here. This is actually my first year in Kitchener-Waterloo for Oktoberfest and I’ve heard a lot of good things about it,” said event-goer Jessica Naftalis.
K-W Oktoberfest organizers said this year’s village is “bigger and better than ever” with biergartens, food vendors, shopping and live music.
“I think it really contributes to the spirit of what we call Gemütlichkeit, which is that general overall feeling of warmth and welcoming. We did our best the past couple of years to spread that spirit of Gemütlichkeit throughout the community. But really it comes from seeing someone, sharing that dance together, having that hug with someone you haven’t seen in a long time,” said Allan Cayenne, president, of K-W Oktoberfest.
Cayenne has worked with K-W Oktoberfest for 16 years. He said the community has changed over the past 54 years of the festival and in his first year as festival president he wants to keep up with the growth.
“It’s been about keeping the core of what the festival is, it’s a Bavarian festival,” he said. “We want to celebrate that heritage and that culture. But we want to open it up so everyone feels like they can be German for the day or the week or the month in this case.”
The festival has seen some changes this year. The festival shifted the Miss Oktoberfest competition to Oktoberfest Ambassador and will be open to Waterloo region residents of any gender between the ages of 19 to 29.
Willkommen Platz opened to the public at 3 p.m. on Thursday will close Sunday at 6 p.m.
The official grand opening keg tapping will be on Friday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.