Oktoberfest Returns to Downtown St. Thomas On September 21st, 2024, St. Thomas will come alive with the sounds, tastes, and traditions of Oktoberfest. From 2 pm to 9 pm, our downtown will transform into a vibrant celebration, echoing the famous German festival but with a distinct local flavour. The festivities will take place in the lot beside Moore Street, across from Legends, with Talbot Street closed off from St. Catherines to John Street. This year’s Oktoberfest promises to be Canada’s “Second Best” Oktoberfest. According to Grayden Laing, Chair of the St. Thomas Downtown Development Board (DDB), attendees should break out their lederhosen and get ready to celebrate! “From the delectable German treats, dancers, the keg tapping, free train rides, incredible bands, speeches by our elected officials -- and did I mention the local beer from Caps Off and Railway City?” Grayden adds, “One thing that our community, from Bayham to St. Thomas to West Elgin, knows how to do best – throw an epic party.” One might wonder why Oktoberfest is being held in September. Grayden explains that it’s all about authenticity and practicality. “Our Oktoberfest now starts on the same day that Germany kicks off its celebrations. Last year, we had it in October, and while everyone who came out had a blast, the weather was miserable.” To ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities regardless of the weather, this year’s event will feature an even bigger tent. “If it rains again, we should be able to fit everyone under it – even if it means we have to be a little cozier with our neighbours. I hear beer helps with that,” Grayden adds with a laugh. Oktoberfest in St. Thomas isn’t just about beer, though. Highlights of the event include bouncy castles, pretzels,
fancy porta-potties, custom beer steins, unique competitions, German dancing, and a Goosechase App competition with massive prizes. There will also be free train rides, Stein painting from Crock-a-Doodle, kids’ activities, and more.
The DDB’s decision to add Oktoberfest to its schedule of downtown events is rooted in both a love for the festival and a commitment to environmentalism. “Having everyone from our area driving to Kitchener to celebrate Oktoberfest isn’t fuel efficient. So, what do we do? We hold our own Oktoberfest that’s just good enough that people will stick around here for it.”
As the DDB continues to build on the success of last year’s event, Grayden looks forward to another fantastic day, with hopes that this year the sun will shine. “I’m looking forward to it not raining and to our collaboration with the EDC team to continue to make this event bigger and better each year.”
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Hometown St. Thomas • September 2024 • Page 7
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