Ladysmith Oktoberfest returning this weekend

Ladysmith Oktoberfest returning this weekend

For the first time since 2019, the village of Ladysmith will be hosting their traditional Oktoberfest celebration on Friday and Saturday this weekend (September 30 and October 1). First established in 1985, Oktoberfest Ladysmith typically brings out hundreds of people to celebrate the region’s German heritage.

Lorraine Bretzlaff, the President of the Ladysmith Oktoberfest Committee, said that while they shortened this year’s event down to two days from the typical three, they had a wide variety of musicians, activities, and traditional German fare to offer attendees. Like years past, volunteers make barrels worth of sauerkraut and mountains of meatballs in the days and weeks leading up to the event.

Like previous years, rough camping is available for free in several fields near the grounds. She said that early birds can stake out their spaces this week, and some have already arrived.

Bretzlaff stressed that the event wouldn’t be possible without the help of a small army of volunteers, and thanked everyone that had committed their time and effort to this year’s festivities.

More information is available on their website, or by emailing oktoberfestladysmith@gmail.com.

The full interview with Bretzlaff (6m) is available here.