Duane Hicks
The Legion was alive Friday evening with the sounds of polka and laughter as the beer flowed freely.
A small crowd of about 50 people came out to enjoy the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce’s first-ever “Oktoberfest” party.
But judging from the positive response, it won’t be their last.
“I had great time at the event,” enthused Samantha Manty.
“The food was amazing, and the steins, music, and hats were all great touches,” she noted.
“But the games were definitely my favourite part.
“Everybody seemed to really enjoy themselves, and I would love to see it become an annual event for the Chamber,” added Manty.
“I was quite impressed with what the event had to offer,” echoed Jenna Nowak.
“It was great to see Fort Frances embracing something new and trying our hand at ‘Oktoberfest.’
“The night was very enjoyable and the German touches did not go unrecognized,” Nowak said.
“Selling festive items and decorating [the Legion] with the theme was almost as good as the games set up for everyone to play,” she noted.
“The food was amazing and a highlight of the night.”
That said, Nowak suggested the German beer selection be expanded to match the menu—after all, that is a main component to the celebration.
She also felt the event was well-organized but that she’d like to have seen more people turn out for the festivities.
“As an ‘Oktoberfest’ trial run, it definitely got the job done and now the Chamber can fine-tune it for round two,” reasoned Nowak.
“More advertising and hype can make next year a German success.”
“It was a great night overall,” agreed Chamber first vice-president Myles Kuharski of Gillons’ Insurance Brokers.
“The food was fantastic, the games were fun, and the overall atmosphere was perfect for an ‘Oktoberfest,’” he added.
“Kudos to the events and projects committee of the Chamber for putting this on because it is ideas and events like these that our community needs—and needs to continue,” Kuharski stressed.
“Starting any annual event is tough and it takes time for things to get ironed out,” he conceded.
“But it was a great start and I am looking forward to next year already.”
The evening featured a dinner prepared by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Those on hand enjoyed bratwurst, sauerkraut, hot potato salad, carrots, coleslaw, and Black Forest cake.
Many people also got decked out in green Bavarian hats as they sipped their beer from a glass mug—both of which were sold by the Chamber.
Some of the volunteers even dressed up as frauleins, dirndls, and all.
Music by the “Sound Man” (Brian Harris) also helped liven up the atmosphere.
A good part of the evening’s entertainment involved games, namely stein-holding contests and two varieties of “Hammer Schlagen.”
The first saw contestants take turns trying to pound a nail into a stump with the chisel end of a stone mason’s hammer.
In the other, contestants were timed as to how fast they could hammer a nail into a stump.
In related news, the Chamber and RBC are teaming up to celebrate October as “Small Business Month.”
As such, all businesses across Rainy River District are urged to join them for a “Business After Hours” event set for today (Oct. 15) from 6-9 p.m. at the local RBC branch.
