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OCTOBER 3 -16, 2024
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Volume XX-Issue 1048 October 8, 2024
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V-Town Oktoberfest Brings Munich To Vermilion
Harm Tjardes (green checkered shirt) with some guests at Oktoberfest. Photo submitted
Lorna Hamilton
disappoint. Stepping through the doors of Bretzeln with mustard were offered later in Renee noted, “Most people came in tradithe Elks Hall was akin to being transported the evening. tional Oktoberfest “Tracht” with the majority On October 5, a touch of Germany from Vermilion to Munich itself. Lively music Guests were also treated to an array of in lederhosen and dirndl. We had contests descended upon Vermilion as Renee and filled the air, inspiring spontaneous bouts musical delights, with three bands ensur- for beer stein holding, pretzel eating, and Harm Tjardes, the dynamic duo behind the of singing and dancing, while the aroma of ing that the dance floor was never empty. Oktoberfest trivia with prizes sponsored event, hosted their second V-Town Oktober- baked pretzels wafted enticingly through Von Bieker from Edmonton kicked off the by Perfectly Mentionables and Harbrook & fest at the Vermilion Elks Hall. The celebra- the venue. evening, providing entertainment through- Paisley.” tion was a harmonious blend of Vermilion’s The culinary centerpiece of the evening out dinner with his one-man indie folk One attendee, summed up the evening charm and the spirited essence of Munich, was a sumptuous feast prepared by the performance. The Alpen Schatz, a lively perfectly: “The night was absolutely amazand attracted attendees from Edmonton renowned Red Brick. Attendees were ensemble from Medicine Hat with deep ing, the food was delicious, the music and and beyond. treated to a delightful array of dishes, roots in accordion music, provided a spir- entertainment were great, and it was way Renee, a Vermilion native, embarked including locally sourced Schweinshaxe ited setting for the rest of the night. The local busier than I expected.” on a life-changing journey, leaving her (pork knuckle), Rouladen (beef rolls), Brat- Flatland Beer Bandits then took the stage The V-Town Oktoberfest is not just a hometown after high school and even- wurst, and Wiesenhendl (roast chicken). with special guest fiddler Lexie Lambert, dinner and dance, it’s a tradition that many tually living in Germany for two decades. The meats were sourced from Vermilion and kept the celebration going until the would never be able to experience. Her husband Harm, with roots deeply Packers, whose German workers faith- early morning hours. “We are putting on this event as private entrenched in Germany, joined her on her fully adhere to an authentic recipe for the “It was an incredibly fun evening for all at individuals without sponsors. The hall is return to Vermilion in August 2020, along Bratwurst. No Oktoberfest meal would be the Elks, guests were raving to us about the completely decorated, the washrooms offer with their two boys. This international fusion complete without a tantalizing array of sides meals, and the bands had everyone danc- perfume and toiletries, the bar is stocked of backgrounds set the stage for a remark- and condiments, including Bratkartoffein ing the entire night,” commented Renee. with top-shelf alcohol, the meals are hearty able evening. (fried Potatoes), Spaetzle (egg noodles), While traditional costumes were not and very generous, and there are three Promising an Oktoberfest experi- Rotkohl (cooked red cabbage), and Bier- mandatory, many embraced the spirit of live bands. There is not a lot of profit to be ence that might not rival the grandeur of sosse (beer gravy). To satisfy sweet crav- the occasion by donning traditional dress, made, but we love doing it for the commuthe Munich festivities but would undoubt- ings, attendees could indulge in Schwarz- adding a touch of authenticity to the festivi- nity – and hope we are able to continue this edly capture its essence, the event did not walder Kirschtorte (black forest cake), and ties. unique event in 2025,” said Renee. Reporter
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