Oktoberfest offers beers of the world to attendees
Ariia Pike
Tempe’s annual Oktoberfest took place at the Tempe Town Lake and it was business as usual throughout the festive German holiday. Thousands of attendees exchanged wedding vows, enjoyed live local bands, carnival rides, and, of course, sampled from a variety of beers, ales and lagers.
“The weather is so nice this time of year and it really creates a comfortable atmosphere to hang out all day and enjoy,” Allison Bond said, an Oktoberfest attendant.
There were four stages for the 20 bands that performed offering everything from rock and roll to polka.
For the younger crowd, there was a “Kinderfest” area equipped with a climbing wall, a bounce land, and a video game compound for all ages.
The annual event is hosted by the Tempe Sister City Corporation, an all-volunteer non-profit organization that has been involved with Tempe for 39 years.
Oktoberfest relies on the cooperation of more than 600 volunteers to ensure this 3-day party is a success.
The proceeds from the event benefit international student and educator exchange, as well as humanitarian efforts and multi-cultural youth programs.
Oktoberfest finds its roots in Germany, initially celebrating the marriage between royalties.
Wedding guests attended from throughout the area and the festivities garnered so much attention the celebration was repeated each year.
For information on how to volunteer for the Tempe Sister Cities Corporation, call (480)350-8181 or visit them at 95 W. 4th St., Tempe 85281.
