TRADITIONS: OKTOBERFEST AT THE FOUNTAIN

There are many Oktoberfest celebrations in Arizona's Valley of the Sun, each with their own twist. Here's what makes ours so special.

CEREMONIAL TAPPING OF THE KEG

Just like in Germany, Fountain Hills Mayor Ginny Dickey will perform the traditional tapping of the ceremonial keg to kick off the our annual Fountain Hills Oktoberfest.

This opening ceremony takes place at the first day of the event.  The last Friday of September at the Fountain Park.  Exact days and times can be found on the registration page.

OKTOBERFEST QUEEN

Fountain Hills Octoberfest Queen- Ashley Blaze

Pictured above is the Fountain Hills first Oktoberfest Queen from 2019. Ashley Blaze is also proud of her German heritage and is fluent in the German language.

Ashley is a first-generation German-American; her mother moved to the United States in 1975. She recently took a trip to Germany for Oktoberfest and was able to reconnect with family and fully immerse herself into the culture. She loves her German heritage and can't wait to wear her dirndl at our Oktoberfest! Prost!

Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement of the 2022 Oktoberfest at the Fountain Queen!

 

BEER STEIN HOLDING CONTEST

Beersteinholding practice contest
Beer stein holding practice contest at Fireside Grill.

Twelve male and female contestants will compete each evening to see who can hold a 5-pound, filled beer stein the longest. On average, women hold it around 2-3 minutes and men around 3-5 minutes. Who will set the record? Leading up to the event, contestants can practice at the Oktoberfest Pre-Party the second Tuesday of September during the FH Chamber Mixer!

 

ALPHORN BLOWING CONTEST

Alphorn
Traditional Alphorn blowers.

Folks of all ages stand in line for a chance to blow the Alphorn. Is it easy? Come try it out for yourself! A prize goes to the winner voted by the audience.

 

BEST DRESSED CONTESTS

Best Dressed winners
Best Dressed Winners.

All participants who have donned their Dirndls and Lederhosen parade proudly around the event, showing off their colorful attire. Prizes will be awarded to guests wearing the most popular outfits.

 

OKTOBERFEST KIDS' ZONE

Girls with cotton candy.
Great treats and activities that kids of all ages enjoy.

Families will love the free Kids' Zone that will host endless entertainment with bounce houses and obstacle course. Parents can relax and enjoy the festival while their kids are entertained in an enclosed event space.

 

Ladies in traditional German attire.

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OKTOBERFEST AT THE FOUNTAIN EMCEE

Brothers Jay & Kip Schlum are Fountain Hills Oktoberfest Ambassadors

We would like to introduce you to our former Mayor Jay Schlum. (pictured here to the right with his brother Kip) Jay will fill the role of the Oktoberfest Emcee. Jay is proud of his German heritage, and helps promote Oktoberfest in the community and is on task for both days of the event.

 

LIVE GERMAN BAND

German band Die Echten Waldbaum
Die Echten Waldbaum from Germany: Martin Moser (keyboard, trumpet & vocals), Frank O. Weber (accordion & vocals), Rickie McDowell (guitar & vocals), Vlado Dugulin (lead vocals).

The band "Die Echten Waldbuam" flies in from Germany every year for our event. They entertain with the traditional Oktoberfest Volksmusik as well as a variety of contemporary tunes that gets the audience moving on the dance floor. The talented group has performed in various locations around Arizona and in popular concerts in Germany. Fountain Hills is their favorite performance venue "with so many friendly folks who enjoy our performances and have become friends over the years," says bandleader Martin Moser.

 

AUTHENTIC GERMAN BEER

Beer buddies in German costume
Get a commemorative mug for your authentic German Warsteiner beer.

Keeping with German traditions, Warsteiner beer is brewed in the Arnsberg Forest Nature Park outside Warstein, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany. Warsteiner has been owned by the Cramer family since 1753. The beer is brewed according to the German Reinheitsgesetz (Purity Law) established in 1516. Four Warsteiner beer varieties will be available including Warsteiner Pilsener, a light lager; Warsteiner Dunkel, a dark lager; Warsteiner Oktoberfest, a medium amber lager; and Koenig Ludwig Hefeweizen, a popular wheat beer.

 

TRADITIONAL GERMAN FOOD

Traditional German brats
Traditional German brats: the bun is only meant to serve as a handle to help you eat it!

The foot-long, grilled Brats are the staple of any Oktoberfest, along with schnitzel, a German specialty. Sides include homemade sauerkraut, potato salad, and potato pancakes.

Fountain Hills Sister Cities raises funds for their organization with their mouthwatering, homemade apple strudel.

Rotary Club also raises funds with pretzels, bottled water, and soft drinks.

 

VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART

Rotary volunteer selling pretzels.
Rotary volunteer, sells pretzels.

Celebrating the Fountain Hills Oktoberfest would not be possible without the thousands of volunteer hours donated by our local service organizations and individuals.

  • Phil's Filing Station
  • Rotary Club
  • Kiwanis
  • Lions Club
  • Fountain Hills Chamber Ambassadors
  • Fountain Hills Young Community
  • Sister Cities

 

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