Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Maypole looking for a new home
One of the iconic symbols of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest needs a new home.
On Thursday, the organization announced plans to remove the Oktoberfest Maypole from its current location beside 17 Benton Street.
The former Hans Haus, also known as the “Castle”, was purchased in 2021 and is being redeveloped.
Due to that work, the maypole must be moved.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest says it will be stored at the City of Kitchener Operations Facility until they can find it a new home. They added those discussions are already underway.
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Maypole at Benton Street in Kitchener on Dec. 1, 2022. (Terry Kelly/CTV Kitchener)
HISTORY OF THE MAYPOLE
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Maypole was first raised in 1988.
The organization says they received support from the family of Fred Buttinger, who was a long-time supporter of the festival.
The maypole has been a symbol of Oktoberfest for more than 30 years, and includes the Kitchener and Waterloo crests, as well as crests of five local German clubs: Concordia Club, Schwaben Club, Transylvania Club, Alpine Club and Hubertushaus (the German Canadian Hunting & Fishing Club in Mannheim).
Maypoles have traditionally represented the beginning of harvest season and used to celebrate May Day or Midsummer, sometimes depicted as a flower-wreathed pole where sports and dances are performed.
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.