KW Oktoberfest set to kick off festivities with 57th annual keg tapping ceremony

KW Oktoberfest Celebrations Begin with Exciting Ceremonies

Grand Opening of KW Oktoberfest with Star-Studded Events

The 57th annual KW Oktoberfest has officially kicked off with the traditional keg tapping ceremony. Held at Carl Zehr Square, the event drew large crowds eager to witness the celebrations, including appearances by Canadian artist Steven Page, the former frontman of the Barenaked Ladies, and KW Oktoberfest Board President, Chef D.

A Special Honor for the Polka King

The festivities were not just about beer, as the ceremony featured a special recognition for a local legend. Walter Ostanek, a three-time Grammy Award winner and beloved in the Waterloo Region as “The Polka King,” was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This prestigious award was presented by MPP Mike Harris Jr. to honor Ostanek’s outstanding contributions to the music scene. The crowd took the opportunity to commemorate his 90th birthday, which he celebrated on April 20th, by singing “Happy Birthday.”

Carl Zehr Square Transforms into a Festive Biergarten

The vibrant Carl Zehr Square has been transformed into the Wilkommen Platz Biergarten, giving visitors a taste of German culture through various events planned for the weekend. Attendees can look forward to a range of activities and entertainment options, all designed to engage and delight.

Your Guide to Weekend Festivities

For those planning to partake in the KW Oktoberfest celebrations, a plethora of events are scheduled throughout the weekend and beyond. Interested participants can find full details on the festival’s website hosted by Emegypt, ensuring they won’t miss out on any of the exciting happenings.