Chandler, Arizona, is located in the Phoenix Metro Area and is one of the fastest growing communities in the United States. It’s ideal for your next fall getaway with fun outdoor adventures, family friendly attractions, and great seasonal festivals.
The city is perfect for outdoor activities with 330 days of sun on average each year, average temperatures in the mid-80’s, and scenic vistas of the Southwestern landscape. This is a bicycle enthusiast’s paradise, with 327 miles of paved trails, extra wide bike lanes, and multi-use paths. The SanTan Mountain Regional Park is a great place for a ride. You’ll find eight miles of trails that wind through the beautiful natural surroundings.
How about an activity that’s fun and unique? Try your hand at urban fishing! Each year the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks fish in the urban lakes of the Phoenix Metro Area. Chandler lays claim to two of the lakes located at Desert Breeze Park and Veterans Oasis Park. You can catch a variety of fish, including trout and sunfish, while being immersed in a vibrant urban setting.
Chandler is in close proximity to all the great family friendly attractions of the Phoenix Metro Area. The Arizona Science Center is located in Downtown Phoenix, only a half-hour drive from Chandler. This 164,000-square-foot facility is packed full of fun learning experiences, including seven themed galleries, with 300 interactive exhibits. They are currently running the W.O.N.D.E.R. exhibit, that looks into the intricate workings of the human brain. The Children's Museum of Phoenix presents your family with a fun and unique learning environment, that's located a short distance from the Science Center. The museum resides in the historic Monroe School Building where you’ll encounter hands-on and interactive exhibits that are great for kids and adults.
SanTan Oktoberfest is back and ready to welcome the new fall season. This is one of Arizona's top events, attracting around 15,000 people annually. It’s held at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. This is a beautiful outdoor venue with easy access to numerous shops and restaurants in the downtown area. As the name indicates, this is a celebration of traditional German food, music, and beer, as well as an anniversary celebration of the founding of SanTan Brewing Company. Von Hanson’s will be hosting a brat eating contest and you can participate in a host of beer themed games. Live music will be performed by Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, Reel Big Fish, plus additional local acts. We got to interview Jen Pruett, representative for the event, to talk about this unique fall celebration.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
JP: 2016 will mark the 9th year of The SanTan Oktoberfest.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
JP: SanTan Oktoberfest is one of the largest events in the East Valley, drawing 15,000 guests.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
JP: We have quite a mix of attendees. Typically, our guests are young adults with families from the East Valley.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
JP: This year's event will highlight beer games, Von Hanson's brat eating contest, and the family zone. This year’s event will be celebrating SanTan Brewing’s 9th anniversary.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
JP: Our activities begin at 3:30 pm and run throughout the remainder of the event including:
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Brat Eating Contest
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Beer Pong & Flip Cup
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Stein Holding
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Keg Stacking
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Buddy Carry
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Pretzel Toss
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Global Bikes Tricycle Races
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Wiener Dog Races
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KB Kornhole Tournament Begins
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
JP: We have an amazing lineup of entertainment for this year’s event including:
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3:00 pm - Ken Levine's Funkhaus Brass Band
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6:00 pm - Good Rust
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7:00 pm - Von Hanson's Brat Eating Contest
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7:10 pm - Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers
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9:30 pm - Reel Big Fish
RAL: What dining will people find?
JP: We will be featuring both traditional and trendy dining options from all over the area.
RAL: Is there maybe one place in particular that guests have been flocking to since the event started?
JP: The San Marcos Resort is popular with attendees as it is just a few steps from the event grounds.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
JP: This is a huge local event with great community participation. People mark this day on their calendars because it’s a great way to welcome fall.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
JP: Our event gives local vendors a time to shine and the opportunity to reach the community in a fun environment.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?
JP: Yes, a portion of the event proceeds benefit St. Joseph the Worker. They work to help individuals find and maintain employment.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JP: This is an amazing local event, celebrating our anniversary. There is something for everyone and we encourage anyone interested to come out and join us!
For more information about the SanTan Oktoberfest, please visit their website.