'It's completely different': KW Oktoberfest returns with new pandemic restrictions
Waterloo Region’s big Bavarian festival officially kicked off Friday with new COVID-19 restrictions at the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest this year.
Bingemans sold out it’s Koolhaus Biergarten on Friday, welcoming 750 people to an outside patio. Patrons were required to wear a mask, unless eating or drinking at one of the tables. As well, everyone was reauired to show proof of vaccination to get in.
“We haven’t gone to that extent, especially with the first night, we want to make sure everybody feels comfortable,” Mark Bingeman, president of Bingemans said.
Those who attended had no issue following the rules.
“It’s so great being able to do this again after a year of small scale stuff. i was just saying on the way here that i can’t wait to be able to get up and chat with people and dance,” Erin Wetzel, a patron and Miss Oktoberfest 2019 said.
“Feels good to be at an event with people again, there’s a good energy here,” Brady Schmidt, a patron said.
“It’s completely different, but it’s fun, and like i said it’s beautiful weather, so why not have a party,” Denise Coleman, a patron said.
The Bavarian festival is in its 53rd year.
The festivities kicked off with an opening ceremony Friday afternoon with a crowd of under 100 people. The ceremony showcased both in-person and online events happening over the next three weekends of the festival, including live performances at local fest halls and 22 restaurants across the region.
While the Alpine Club won't be hosting patrons in person because of the pandemic, curbside pickup is still an option.
"We have a traditional Bavarian and Austrian beer that you can order with your food," said club president Dietmar Biselli.
The Crazy Canuck in Kitchener will be hosting an Oktoberfest event net Friday, capping off the night with Rusty Nail Comedy.
"Have lots of fun, just remember what Oktoberfest is all about, fun and community," said Liam Cameron, partner at The Crazy Canuck, adding the restaurant will only allow 40 patrons inside to meet physical distancing requirements.
For those that can’t make it to an event, the new Wunderwagen is driving through the community to spread the festivity of the event.
Like last year, the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day parade will be transformed into a one hour tv special, which will be shown on CTV News Kitchener on October 11.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
Amish youth experience a rite of passage called Rumspringa. It’s not what you might think
The idea of “Rumspringa” has a specific spot in the American imagination. A rite of passage for young people in some Amish communities, Rumspringa is seen by most outsiders as a wild time away from strict Amish rules, when teenagers can experiment with the modern vices of the world.
Djokovic needs medical attention after getting knocked on the head by a water bottle at Italian Open
Novak Djokovic needed medical attention after apparently getting knocked on the head by a water bottle after a win at the Italian Open on Friday.