"If you can't go to Germany, this will be the closest thing to it," organizer Karl Brust said about the Duncan Elks old-fashioned Oktoberfest set for Sunday, Sept. 28.
Traditional entertainers Lauren and Hans present a rollicking afternoon with all the fun of an old-fashioned German beer hall at the Duncan Elks facility.
Last year's event was a sell-out and as an Elks member, Brust is thrilled to put on this Oktoberfest event again this year because, as a German-Canadian, he knows what's needed.
"Without the proper Oktoberfest music, it would be no use puttingit on," he said.
So, Brust has lined up the traditionally-clad pair of entertainers, who hail from the Island and who really get popular about now.
"Technically Oktoberfest in Germany runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Lauren and Hans play all over the place. After their show here, they hit the road and do virtually all the German clubs in Alberta, too. Even a Port Alberni club has them coming in at the end of October," he said.
Last year's entertainer was lots of fun but these two bring even more to the event, according to Brust.
"Compared to the guy I brought in from Vancouver for our Oktoberfest last year, these two offer more of the total experience," he said.
"She plays the accordion and various instruments. The husband is a very good yodeller and plays the trumpet. As a husband and wife team, they are really good. So, actually they are a great duo."
Everyone has heard of Oktoberfest and there's been a real effort put into keeping the event real.
"Besides good music, everything is being done to make this event as authentic as possible, right down to serving the same German beer and food that is available at the Munich Oktoberfest," Brust said.
"With me being a German Canadian, it's my pet project to help our club out. People were really surprised last year. Women came up to me and said: 'My husband really likes those sausages, where do you get them?'" The whole project is a fundraiser for the Elks Club.
"If we get close to selling out, like we did last year, I am working on refurbishing our lounge area at the club. It's so dark now. Our club doesn't have that much money to spare for renovations after paying taxes and all that."
Doors open at noon, with the show beginning at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are only $15 per person and include the food, which will be served at 5:30 p.m. For tickets call 250-746-6812 after 3 p.m. Entrances to the Elks are located at 149 Station St. and 163 Kenneth St. in downtown Duncan.