Oktoberfest
With 55% of the population being of German heritage it seems natural
that this area is home to the largest Oktoberfest celebration in
North America. Held during the second week of October this festival
draws close to 750,000 people.
There are 15 festhallen (halls to party in.) Each festhallen offers
a different atmosphere, ranging from the traditional to the unique.
Despite the individual differences, excellent food, entertainment,
music and dancing are standard at all the Festhallen celebrations.
Kitchener's Oktoberfest celebration is an annual eight-day event.
Based on the original German Oktoberfest, it is billed as Canada's
Great Bavarian Festival. It is held every October, starting on the
Friday before Canadian Thanksgiving and running until the Saturday
after.
While its best-known draws are the beer-based celebrations, other
cultural and entertainment attractions also fill the week. The best-known
is the parade held on Thanksgiving Day; as the only major parade
on Canadian Thanksgiving, it is televised nationally. Another icon
of the festival is Miss Oktoberfest.
The position is selected by a closed committee of judges from a
panel of local applicants; community involvement and personal character
form the main criteria under the new system.
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Barrie, Ontario