K-W Oktoberfest going ahead, parade cancelled

There will be an Oktoberfest in Waterloo Region in 2020, but it won't be like any Oktoberfest you've ever seen before.

Officials say the 52nd annual festival will go earlier than usual — September 25 to October 12 — and will have some virtual aspects to it, such as a two-day live-stream event and an opening ceremony streamed from the Region of Waterloo International Airport.

It is there that the Mayors from the tri-cities, and Regional Chair Karen Redman, will take part on Friday, September 25 at noon.

Residents are being encouraged to visit what they're calling “Micro-FESThallen” in local restaurants during the festival, which will feature live Oktoberfest entertainment, a program designed to benefit local businesses who have felt the brunt of COVID-19.

“On Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest LIVE event will stream Oktoberfest-themed entertainment, such as The Golden Keys and other Festhalle favourites, as well as family-friendly programming,” officials state in a release.

“This free event will allow viewers to celebrate the Spirit of Gemütlichkeit at home while practicing physical distancing or celebrating within their bubble. Bavarian-inspired food will be available for takeout from a number of Festhallen and local restaurants. The event is proudly supported by Schneiders, a long-time festival sponsor, and is a fundraiser for the Onkel Hans Food Drive, benefitting the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.”

“If the past five months have shown us anything, it's that our community continues to find innovative ways to come together safely,” said festival president Tim Beckett.

“With that spirit in mind, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest was determined to move forward to find a safe way to continue the tradition. This format allows people to decide how to join the festivities safely – either in a restaurant or gathered at home – with those close to you. It's like the Superbowl, but with really good polka music.”

For those looking to bring the Bavarian experience to their home, a limited number of Oktoberfest-In-A-Box kits are available, featuring souvenirs and products from local businesses.

Special edition Oktoberfest masks and pins are also available at Oktoberfest.ca. 

Lowrick says they've been consulting with public health officials, and while they feel the health and safety of residents are their top priority, they also feel some responsibility to help businesses involved in the festival experience, as well as the not-for-profits that benefit from the festival's fundraising programs.

“This has been a challenging year for everyone as we adjust to new norms made necessary by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky, “Moving forward on an innovative version of K-W Oktoberfest is welcomed and uplifting news. Determination, creativity and energy are the hallmarks of the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest team so, 'the show must go on.”

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic says KW Oktoberfest is a storied tradition, and while it's a different look for 2020, he's still glad locals get a chance to celebrate one of the year's most anticipated events.

“While following health and safety guidelines, we can continue the Gemütlichkeit spirit of this exciting tradition in our community,” he stated.

However, some aspects of the festival have been put on hold until further notice, such as the Miss Oktoberfest Gala Ball, A Blooming Affair Fashion Show, the KWO 5K Fun Run and the Rogers Women of the Year Awards.

Erin Wetzel will continue in her role as Oktoberfest Ambassador into 2021.

But the big thing locals will miss out on is the annual Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade, as that will be postponed until 2021.

CLICK HERE for more information, including how to get tickets.

The announcement you have all been waiting for…

K-W OKTOBERFEST 2020 IS NOT CANCELLED!!! But it will look different this year.

What's the biggest change you ask? (1/5) pic.twitter.com/9NAi6NiTJn

— K-W Oktoberfest Inc. (@KW_Oktoberfest) August 24, 2020