By Khalida Sarwari
If you are anywhere near downtown Campbell this weekend, you will not be able to avoid the annual beer and bratwurst festival known as Oktoberfest.
Taking place Oct. 13 and 14, the Campbell Chamber of Commerce’s 18th annual Oktoberfest is expected to bring together thousands in a celebration of all things German.
This year’s festivities will include a wide array of food, beer, artisans and entertainment. As usual, popular German cuisine such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels and German potato salads will be served, but one of the highlights of the festival is likely to be a 90-liter, unfiltered and unpasteurized Festbier keg that Gordon Biersch owner Dan Gordon will tap into on the afternoon of Oct. 14 for the beer’s first and only public release. An assortment of beers, wine and soft drinks will also be available.
Alpiners USA will once again headline the festival, performing near Ainsley Park. The entertainment line-up will include Schwabenlander, The Playbacks, Bug Horn Rex and the Fred McCarthy Band.
The event will also feature artisans selling art and jewelry, as well as a national stein holding competition on the afternoon of Oct. 13 and a children’s area on Second Street with rides and activities.
Oktoberfest is free and open to all and will take place Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
E. Campbell Avenue from Third Street to Railway Avenue will be closed to motorists during the festivities.
Prior to the festival, the Oktoberfest 5K Run and Walk will be held at the Campbell Park. The fifth annual event will begin at 9 a.m. at the basketball courts near Campbell and Gilman avenues. Visit www.cityof campbell.com/recreation or www.active.com.
