Oktoberfest celebrations are held every fall all across the planet and they celebrate Bavarian Heritage and of course beer. When it comes to the Acadia Oktoberfest, the people love celebrating the traditional elements of the festival as well as wine/cheese tasting, arts, crafts and the community in general. Thousands of people converge on the town of Southwest Harbor, Maine, located on the picturesque Mount Desert Island, to take part in Acadia Oktoberfest. Rated as one of the best Oktoberfests in the Northeast United States, they put on display the finest craft beers Maine and the surrounding area has to offer.
In addition there are beer making demonstrations and special tastings happening at various times during the festival. The day before the Oktoberfest weekend there is a cheese and wine tasting event that features delicious vintages from Maine and all over the country. Live music acts fill the air with their different sounds as a vast variety of beer is enjoyed. Many food options are available from a number of different vendors and restaurants. Games are constantly being played some include flip cup, beerless pong, cornhole, keg toss and the ever popular stein hoisting contest. Arts and crafts are on display to enjoy and purchase at different tents and tables. It’s all capped off by handing out awards for “Best Brewers Table” and the “People's Choice Award”. We interviewed event representative Cynthia Crow about Acadia Oktoberfest and all the fun activities included within.
RAL: Can you give our travelers a little background about your event?
CC: This is our 20th annual Acadia Oktoberfest. We began back in 1995 on the pier at Dysart’s Marina. Having quickly outgrown that location, we moved to Smuggler's Den Campground which, with its big field and facilities was the perfect venue. As a fun season’s end celebration, Oktoberfest has grown to be one of the most popular brew fests in New England. Attendance depends on the weather, but last year in six hours we hosted 2,500 people, not including the Friday evening wine tasting. This year the brew tent will be held on both Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5pm, and tickets are discounted if you attend both days. We mostly attract beer connoisseurs, from 25 to 45 years old, couples, travellers with disposable income who appreciate fine food and the arts. Also, we get a fair amount of locals who come to help out at the event and enjoy an end of season opportunity to catch up with their friends. Maine craft beers and Acadia National Park, conviviality at Smuggler's Den, "this event is like Christmas".
RAL: Walk me through the activities of a typical day at the festival.
CC: The main focus is on the beer, both tasting and appreciation. Music is an important piece, this year we have Whoopie Kat, the Nevah Band, and Russ & Jeff, all at the brewfest. Friday we have some new activities planned in the village. 11th Hour Farming Artists will perform a demonstration pumpkin carving on the Pemetic School Green in the village of Southwest Harbor. Friday will be the culmination of a week long retailer’s scavenger hunt and music on the Village Green is planned as well. On Friday night we have popular Maine band, the Crown Vics, and at the wine tasting we have nationally known, classical guitarist, Kevin Morse.
Over the past few years, we have added a number of games. The 15-Pound Torpedo Keg Toss, keg provided by a local craft brewer called Atlantic Brewing Company, is great fun! We have a men's and women's competition and everyone enters into the fun whether they can throw or not. The winners "WOW" the crowd with their spectacular throws. The winning men's throw last year was a remarkable 53' 3", and the women's winning throw was 23' 10". You have to know how to throw to win this one, but it's all in good fun and the spectators enjoy it too! New games are coming in 2015 as well! Costume Contest Fabulous Prize: Announced on Sunday afternoon, the best costume winner will receive two nights accommodations at Fireside Inn and Suites in Bangor, next door to Geaghan's Pub, where they can cash in their gift certificate for $75. Also included, a gift certificate of $50 to Central Street Farmhouse and two passes to the Growler Bus Tour,both in Bangor and lastly, two free admissions to Oktoberfest 2016.
RAL: What does the festival offer for guest appearances, dining options and general environment?
CC: Seal Cove Auto Museum will be showing one of their antique vehicles from their collection. The Southwest Harbor Fire Department will be on hand to play The Great Ball Drop, WNSX will be on hand to do a live radio show, and The Barn Arts Collective will be the games emcee.
We feature many great food choices! Returning this year are Nostrano's Barbeque, Mainely Meats, Sips Cafe, the Lions Club, and Sweet & Salty Kettlekorn. New this year is Patti Cakes, featuring wonderful seasonal desserts, The Maine Tater with chicken wings and their signature Maine hand-cut fries, and Charlotte's Legendary Lobster Pound with a variety of wonderful treats.
Oktoberfest is held at Smuggler's Den Campground. The Tents are erected on a large open lawn, and the event is surrounded by the Acadia National Park on the North and West. The Campground is full for the season, but the Maine coast will be alight with fall color and Acadia National Park will be at its loveliest.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
CC: Our travelers are a segment of the market that seek out unique, accommodations in the lovely autumn setting of Acadia National Park. Local Chambers of Commerce are a good place to start when looking for accommodations. Begin with: www.acadiachamber.com. The Island Explorer free shuttle bus can help you get to and from Smuggler's Den.
RAL: Is there maybe one place in particular that guests have been flocking to since the event started?
CC: The Island generally is a destination and Columbus Day Weekend signals the end of the season. The following weekend put the cap on special activities in Acadia with the MDI Marathon, beginning in Bar Harbor and ending in Southwest Harbor, it is possibly the most beautiful run in the world.
For more information please visit the event website.