Cheers to Canyon Lake, Bavaria and Oktober!

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The American Bavarian Brass Band brought in Alpine horns for this year’s Oktoberfest in the Towne Center. Photos by Donna Kupke

A celebration of Bavarian traditions and culture, Oktoberfest has grown into what is considered to be the largest folk festival in the world. In Munich, the celebration lasts for close to three weeks with more than six million people participating. Canyon Lake’s Oktoberfest may not have been that huge but, according to many, this year’s turnout was “the largest in a long time,” with several hundred Canyon Lakers gathering in the Towne Center last Saturday.

The Sport Stop Pub & Grill offered traditional Bavarian food including Bratwurst, German potato salad, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, turkey legs and more. The Cup Above had Chinese “Chicken Dance” salad and desserts.

There was a selection of beers, both German and American, as well as wine, soda and water. Several local vendors were on hand for those who wanted to shop, and ABC Bounce provided a bounce house and slide as well as fun treats to keep the kids entertained.

Brian Burchett was the winner of the beer drinking contest.

The American Bavarian Brass Band returned to keep everyone in the mood with traditional “Oompah” music, dances and toasts. A favorite dance that has been a popular tradition for more than two decades, the Chicken Dance was performed by attendees to the laughter and encouragement of the crowd.

Another fun Oktoberfest tradition: contests. First was for the title of “Miss Oktoberfest 2015” with Kali Tiefenthaler (who is also the current Wee Miss Canyon Lake) being the crowd favorite and winner. The “Ms. Oktoberfest” winner was Phyllis Hernandez.

Next was the hotdog eating contest, which was won by Mike Cuicchi, who devoured his dogs in the fastest time. A long-time Oktoberfest favorite, “beer drinking” (using non-alcoholic beer) followed, with Brian Burchett downing his brew the fastest to claim the title.

Mike Cuicchi not only was the fastest hot dog eater, he also held his three full beer steins for the longest time to win the stein-holding contest.

To pay homage to Bavarian women servers, who often carry several steins full of beer in one hand to serve patrons, a “stein holding” contest was held. Three full steins of water (no need to spill real beer) were held, straight-armed, in one hand. Hot dog eating champ Mike Cuicchi held his full steins the longest, proving himself the best stein-holder in the community. A 50/50 drawing was held later in the evening.

Canyon Lakers love to party as much as they love to socialize, and Oktoberfest offered both! So cheers to Canyon Lake, Bavaria, October and great times doing the chicken dance with friends!

Sage Arredondo, above, and Kalea Bradley, below, were the winners of the yodeling contests. Mike Irvine, holding up Kalea’s arm, served as MC.

Photos by Donna Kupke