Donald
Teuma-Castelletti
LADYSMITH
Sept. 29, 30, Oct. 1, 2017
The 32nd annual Oktoberfest Ladysmith took over Thorne this weekend, bringing traditional German dancing, music and food to the Pontiac, and attracting thousands of people – some from as far as Germany itself.
Starting things off Friday night, the festivities ran all weekend long at the TCRA Hall and surrounding area, and featured a parade, classic car show, tractor pull, plus fireworks and lots of beer.

“We’re preparing a lot more food than before,” laughed Lorraine Bretzlaff, president of the event’s board of directors, on how she’s seen it change. “We have a lot more volunteers and they’re just terrific.”
Attending the festival all the way from Germany were Simona and Gunter Schiemenz, as their friend was one of the volunteers for Oktoberfest. Dressed in their traditional Oktoberfest garb, they couldn’t believe how well-attended the festival was – or how accurate the food turned out to be.
“We eat sauerkraut at home very often, mostly cold,” said Gunter. “When it was warm here, it was wonderful, very good.”
“The sausages, meatballs,” started Simona, interrupting herself with a chef’s kiss to the thought. “I think it’s correct, typical German food.”
Other festival-goers must have thought the same as this couple, as the sauerkraut – which started as nearly 90 lbs. – was almost all consumed by 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Although this level of consumption should have been no surprise, considering the amount of people who came out. Attendees could be seen claiming their lot with their fifth wheel a week ahead of the event, and come the weekend of, all the nearby spots had been filled. By mid-Saturday, the overflow spots further from the festival were filling up quick, too.
Beyond the food and camping, there was plenty to do onsite for everyone attending.
Friday night kicked off with introductions by the event staff, local politicians and Gerry Bimm of Valley Heritage Radio, who was quick with a joke for everyone brave enough to walk onstage. The evening’s entertainment began with Reggie Carkner before the official opening, and continued with country rockers Ambush playing past midnight.
“People love Ambush, we have to keep them coming back every year,” said Bretzlaff.
Saturday continued with a horseshoe tournament in the morning and a truck and tractor pull for the afternoon, before letting off the fireworks that were rained out from the night before. Music continued once noon hit, welcoming the likes of Guy Jamieson and the Upper Valley Country, the Heartbeats and the Danny Sylvester Band to the Clarence Bretzlaff building stage.
Sunday rounded out the weekend with a church service, parade and photo booth, plus a giant pumpkin and vegetable show. The Wanderers provided the afternoon’s traditional German and European music, with the Schuhplatter Bavarian Dancers sharing the stage, as well.
“You don’t relax until it’s over,” said Bretzlaff. “You’re constantly checking to make sure everything is done the way it should be. You don’t like to see unhappy people at Oktoberfest.”