The festival spirit was palpable at the Brauwerk Hoffman microbrewery in Campbell’s Bay on Saturday with enthusiastic attendants gathering to celebrate Oktoberfest.

Now one of the world’s largest beer festivals, Oktoberfest celebrations began in 1810 when the Royal Family of Bavaria (now Germany) celebrated the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

“Traditionally Oktoberfest runs for two weekends before the first weekend in October, so this is our kickoff,” said Brauwerk Hoffman owner, Todd Hoffman.

Showcasing local musicians and serving a German-inspired plate made on site of pretzels, sauerkraut and vegetable from their own garden and of course their own brewed ales and lagers, the sold out event was a hit.

When asked about the significance of hosting such an event in view of pandemic restrictions cancelling out larger events Hoffman replied, “It’s very important, it’s a part of the German culture. We’ve already missed out on St. Patrick’s Day celebrations for two years in a row because it was always at the beginning of a wave,” he added. Though the event was not as large as they would have hoped, Hoffman said, “It’s better than nothing.”

First time visitors at the brewery Ginette Savoie of Fort Coulonge said “I wanted to come listen to her [Francine Aubrey] sing for the first time.” Companion Jacques Boissoneault chimed in, “We’re here for the food, the music and the beer,” adding “I come to buy the beer here regularly. I love micro-breweries and it’s great to have one here in our area. The beer is very fresh and I find it’s even better than the commercial beers.”

Mark Dufour of Cantley, there with his wife and friends, added, “We’re here for good food, good friends and good beer, it’s one of the best beers around here for sure.”

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