Thanks for Oktoberfest

Well, it's that time of year again here in Kitchener-Waterloo. Oktoberfest is a long-running Bavarian festival that celebrates the region’s German heritage. While beer is certainly a well-known part of that heritage and the festival, there’s much more to celebrate than fine German lagers. I have to confess, though, that it wasn’t until I had kids that I took in more events and enjoyed the celebration. My family and I enjoyed two of those events over this Thanksgiving weekend.

Saturday morning was the Oktoberfest Pancake Breakfast at the public square in Uptown Waterloo. The volunteers and organizers do a terrific job preparing and serving breakfast for hundreds of people in a fast and efficient way. My sons and I made sure to drop off our contributions to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

Monday morning we took in the Oktoberfest parade. We’re particularly lucky because the parade route passes by only a block from our home. My kids look forward to this every year, even when there’s rain pouring down. Happily, this year’s edition was free of rain, if more than a little chilly.