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September 28, 2004
With autumn's arrival Valley readies for rest
Michelle Goats
Mesa Legend
The 32nd Annual Beaudry RV Way Out West Oktoberfest will once again hit the valley Oct. 1-3, at Tempe Beach Park. Tempe’s own Oktoberfest was winner of the “2003 Arizona Event of the Year” and this year received three awards from the International Festivals & Events Western Region.
This event is held every October to raise money to support Tempe Sister City programs such as the Tempe Sister City student/teacher international exchange program, multi-cultural programs for children and humanitarian projects in Timbuktu, Mali, which is just one of their “sister” cities.
The Tempe Sister City Corporation maintains active relationships with seven “sister” cities around the world. The organization relies entirely on volunteer participation to develop and maintain its programs and functions.
In order to put on such a large event, TSC relies on some 2,000 volunteers to set-up, clean up and run Oktoberfest. Many of Oktoberfest’s volunteers are veterans and help year after year to put on such a spectacular event.
Oktoberfest chairperson, Nora Trevino, stated, “We have lots of volunteers, but we could still use more.” All Oktoberfest volunteers work in four-hour shifts in various time slots throughout the weekend. Those who volunteer receive a souvenir T-shirt, bratwurst and a beverage. “Volunteering really makes a difference. Each individual makes a difference internationally,” said Trevino.
This year, Way Out West Oktoberfest hopes to attract some 200,000 people during the three-day span, and is the largest “free” attraction offered all year at Tempe Town Lake.
Oktoberfest will feature a large array of festivities for visitors including music on three different stages, a parade, strudel eating contests, and much more. Following in the “Octoberfest” tradition, the event will offer a traditional Bavarian Beer Garden with non-stop polka, bratwurst and “Kinderfest” for the kids. The event will feature beer from around the world.
This year’s Oktoberfest festivities will kick-off at 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 1, with music from the band, “Rondevous” on the Nationwide Main Stage.
At 7 p.m., the APS Flags of the World Parade is scheduled to begin. The parade will feature Tempe middle school children as they carry flags from 180 countries around the world and will be led by the Oktoberfest King and Queen, as well as Tempe City Council Members and international delegates.
Free concerts and events are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 2, on all three stages. The Nationwide Main Stage will feature music from local favorites like Mogollon, Walt Richardson and The Tequila Moon Band. The Community Stage will feature Chicken Dance Lessons, a Strudel Eating Contest and several local dance teams. Performing on the Arizona Lottery Polka Stage will be Joel’s Polka Band and Edelweis.
Entertainment scheduled on the three stages for Sunday, Oct. 3, will include music from Learning Curve and Box of Rocks on the Nationwide stage, Mrs. B’s Story Time and Rainbow Kids on the Community Stage, and The Varitones and The Karousels on the Arizona Lottery stage.
“Kinderfest” is the Oktoberfest for the little ones and will offer a climbing wall, Camelot Castle, Bubble Mania and a Hansel and Gretel Village. Kinderfest hours are Friday, 5-8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There are a few things to keep in mind before heading out to Oktoberfest. Visitors cannot bring coolers, pets, rollerblades or bikes, and most importantly, weapons, into the event. Anyone wishing to purchase alcoholic beverages must bring proper identification. Last call will be at 11:45 p.m.
Oktoberfest goers must purchase tickets at the event if they want to buy food, beverages or beer. Tickets will be sold either in singles for just a dollar, or in packs of 25, for twenty dollars.
For more information on Beaudry RV Way Out West Oktoberfest or to find out how to become a volunteer, visit the Tempe Sister City web site at www.community.tempe.gov/sister.
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