Milverton will once again play host to an Oktoberfest event next month.
On Saturday, October 7, the Perth East Recreation Complex will host the festivities, and co-chair Evelyn Mueller says they've gone all out to provide an authentic Bavarian experience, including a band coming all the way from Germany.
"Our kind of idea is to keep it authentic, that's why we only do it every 5 years. We will start up at 5:30 p.m. with an official reception, we have the MP and MPP (John Nater and Matthew Rae) coming, both mayors, the mayor from our town in Germany that's visiting and the Mayor of Perth East (Rhonda Ehgoetz). That'll be the kind of official part of the ceremony, and we will have a keg tapping and beer stein challenge," Mueller shared.
The band is called MV Elchingen, and they will be joined by the Milverton Legion Band, as well.
“The German Brass Band MV Elchingen is making an exciting visit, bringing a delegation from their Town of Neresheim, Germany” Mueller enthused. “This delegation includes talented young brass musicians who will delight the audience with a diverse repertoire, ranging from traditional Waltzes and Polkas to ‘Country Roads’ and ABBA classics. Notably, Neresheim and the Township of Perth East have nurtured a close friendship since their last Oktoberfest encounter in 2018. Neresheim will arrive with their Mayor and other representatives from Neresheim, embarking on a journey through parts of Ontario and Quebec.”
Mueller, who moved to Canada from Germany in 2008, says it continues to amaze her how much Canada has embraced the Oktoberfest spirit.
"Yeah it's super fun to see, I was quite surprised when I moved here and there was this big Oktoberfest thing going on. Fun fact, I actually met my husband at the Munich Oktoberfest, so we are just trying to keep the fun going. It's great to see, and it's also great to have the town of Neresheim come to Perth East and throughout that time that we've spent together, we're developing an official friendship now," added Mueller.
Neresheim is in the province of Baden Württemberg, Germany.
There will be an official keg tapping ceremony to start the day, and local mayors will be there along with Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and MP John Nater. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. until midnight.
Tickets for Milverton Oktoberfest are $20 in advance (available online at https://ticketfi.com/event/5105/2023-milverton-oktoberfest) or can be purchased at the door for $25 (if any are available). Mueller notes half are already sold at the time of writing. Visit www.milvertonAG.ca for more details or find Milverton Oktoberfest on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information contact Co-Chair Evelyn Mueller at evelynmueller@outlook.com or 519-503-3878.