Perched on the Southern Shore of Lake George, Lake George Village has the natural scenery, community events, and attractions to turn your vacation into an unforgetable getaway. Amy’s Park, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, and the shores of Lake George offer a variety of outdoor activities and some of the best leaf-peeping in the region. Home to a vibrant nightlife, night owls will love eating, drinking, and listening to music at Adirondack Brewery, Lake George Beach Club, and King Neptune’s.
The Adirondack Brewery Oktoberfest has showcased the finest local beers, wines, and spirits for the past 12 years, and it will take place on October 14. This year’s event features sampling opportunities from a variety of local breweries, wineries, and distilleries, including a full selection of beers from the Adirondack Pub and Brewery. Patrons can expect all their favorite Oktoberfest foods such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and potato pancakes. Entertainment options include live music throughout the day and traditional German dances. Patrons will encounter some great Oktoberfest games such as stein hoisting, cornhole, and keg tossing. The event will also feature men's and women's costume contests with awards going to the top three costumes in each category. Providing children with school supplies, clothing, and more, the Ben Osborne Memorial Fund will be the primary recipient of the event's proceeds. We interviewed Phil Cassella, a representative for the event, to learn more about this great celebration of beer.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
PC: This is the 12th year of the Adirondack Brewery Oktoberfest.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
PC: We are anticipating a record attendance of about 1,200 beer-lovers from New York and the surrounding states.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
PC: Adirondack Brewery Oktoberfest attracts both men and women from ages 21-65. Our attendees love great, local beer and supporting a good cause.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
PC: Each year, Adirondack Brewery donates 100% of the ticket proceeds to a local charity or nonprofit! Past beneficiaries have included the Adirondack SPCA, The Adirondack Mountain Club, and the local Boys and Girls Club chapter. This year, the chosen organization is the Ben Osborne Fund; an organization providing children from ages 5 through 18 with items such as school supplies, clothing, electronics, and more.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
PC: There's so much to do at the Adirondack Brewery Oktoberfest! Guests can sample beer, wine, and spirits from local producers, enjoy a day full of live music, taste through a variety of authentic German Food, enter a keg toss or stein hoisting competition, and much more!
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
PC: The Adirondack Pub & Brewery serves up a traditional Oktoberfest menu featuring bratwurst, sauerkraut, soft pretzels, potato pancakes, and more.
RAL: Tell us about the overall atmosphere.
PC: Our event is a beer festival with a German twist! Don't forget to wear your best Bavarian threads! You could win the costume competition and enjoy a free Lake George getaway!
RAL: Are there any lodging specials that are set up specifically for the event?
PC: Lake George is full of great lodging options for all budgets. The Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center offers special room rates for the weekend. Just mention the event when you call! Other great options in town include The Surfside, Super 8, the Courtyard by Marriott, and of course a variety of local B&B's that are all walking distance to the event.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
PC: Lake George is a highly seasonal town. Business slows down substantially after children go back to school in September. Events like the Adirondack Brewery Oktoberfest allow people to enjoy the beautiful Autumn foliage in Lake George and keep the time vibrant after the Summer season is over.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
PC: Who doesn't love supporting a great cause all while enjoying a day full of beer, bratwurst, and great music?
For more information about the Adirondack Brewery Oktoberfest, please visit the event website.