Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest to deliver authentic celebration

The true spirit of Bavaria will come to life in Big Bear Lake Sept. 15 through Oct.  27, it was recently announced.

The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest represents Southern California’s most authentic Oktoberfest, which takes pride in being the closest thing to the original celebration in Munich, Germany. (Courtesy photo)

The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest represents Southern California’s most authentic Oktoberfest, which takes pride in being the closest thing to the original celebration in Munich, Germany.

Big Bear Lake is situated in an Alpine environment with evergreens trees, mountain vistas, and a town-square village that reflects the scenery and heritage of the Bavarian Alps of Germany.

Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest was founded 42 years ago by German immigrants Hans and Erika Bandows. In recent years, the event has been handed off to their daughter Monica who keeps family traditions alive.

The event will feature a band from Bavaria, Warsteiner beer (imported from Germany), dance troupes performing customary dances, bratwurst from a German butcher in Los Angeles, and fresh apple strudel delivered weekly from a German bakery in Downey.

Guests can also expect baumstamm sägen (log sawing) competitions and a “Shoot and Yodel” contest where contestants take a shot of Jagermeister, then immediately belts out their best version of a Swiss Alps yodel.

The “Shoot and Yodel” winner is determined by the audience’s response of jeers and cheers.

Other fun competitions and contests include stein-carrying, sausage-eating, stein-holding, and limbo dancing. Children’s fun and games include pretzel-eating contests, kiddy mug holding matches and carnival-style games.

Bands performing this year are The Franken Power Express Band (direct from Germany) and The Express Band, Southern California’s premier German band. Both bands combine a unique blend of traditional German polkas and American pop music.

Big Bear Oktoberfest kicks off with American’s Hero weekend on Sept. 15 offering free admission for all past and present military, fire fighters and law enforcement.

The weekend festivities take place at The Convention Center of Big Bear Lake, located at 42900 Big Bear Blvd.

For more details regarding online ticket savings, Burgermeister Party Packs, Kindermeister Party Packs (kid’s fun packs) and general information, visit www.BigBearEvents.com or call 909-585-3000.