Prince Albert German Oktoberfest (This event has passed)

Description

Hit the road and head to the cusp of the Little and Great Karoo for a German jol this October! Take the Swartberg Pass and leave your troubles behind as you negotiate the dramatic loops and razorbacks until you enter the far flung little dorp of Prince Albert. The entire village can be explored on foot so you can swill lots of ale and feast all you like - walk it off under a canopy of jostling stars as you stroll back to a comfy bed!

Why an "Oktoberfest" in Prince Albert? It's a bit of a long story. The farm Kweekvallei was established in 1762 and in 1845 Queen Victoria gave permission for the village, which had grown from the farm, to be named after her beloved Consort, Prince Albert. In 2001 some of Prince Albert's residents gathered and wondered - what can we do to honour this truly remarkable man?
The origin of the 'Oktoberfest' was actually their royal wedding celebration. In 1810 the first official 'Oktoberfest' was held in Munich and the Bavarian/Frankish traditions of that region came into play. German history and South African tradition could be combined - Prince Albert would be honoured and remembered by the village in South Africa which bears his name. And so an 'Oktoberfest' in the tradition of his Bavarian/Frankish homeland would be held.

Need to know? The 7th German Oktoberfest will be taking place in Prince Albert on 18 October 2008 at 17:45. Entrance fee is R100 per person and includes musical entertainment by a German Brass band from Hemslingen, Germany, coming to Prince Albert especially for this popular annual event. Dinner (extra charge) will consist of either traditional German fare including Eisbein, kasseler, bockwurst and sauerkraut or traditional South African fare including braaivleis and boerewors or a vegetarian platter. Draft beer, Schnaps and local Bergwater wine will also be available from the cash bar. Prizes to the value of R10 000 are up for grabs on the night. Tickets will be available at the Tourism Office in Prince Albert from 15 August 2008. For further details please contact princealberttourism@intekom.co.za.