German heritage is being celebrated here in London, with the Forest City’s own Oktoberfest being held from October 23-25. This year showcases an extra day on Sunday featuring Elvis and Michael Jackson impersonators performing, the festival will be held outside in a large tent set up to give Londoners a taste of Germany right here in Ontario.
The Festival features traditional music, dances, and of course, beer! The German Canadian Club which is celebrating their 94th year of running is hosting their own festival at 1 Cove Road this weekend.
After a restrictions due to the pandemic the club is working with a different format with a more outdoor focus
Friedhelm Hoffman, President of the German Canadian Club (Benjamin McFadden/XFM News)
“The outdoor tent is expensive, but it’s worth it for the patrons,” said Friedhelm Hoffman, the President of the German Canadian Club.
The club has imported almost everything they can from the Fatherland, with tables, beer, and decorations being sent across the pond.
As tourism grows in London the fall festivities bring people from outside the city to see what the Forest City has to offer.
“This is a high point every year for the club,” said Hoffman.
“We are expecting around 2 thousand festival-goers this year so it is growing!” exclaimed Hoffman.
Hoffman who immigrated from Germany in 1998 worked at Oktoberfest beer tents in his home country.
“I would say we are equal or in some ways better than other Oktoberfest’s in Ontario due to a stronger German connection,” stated Hoffman.
The German Canadian Club has soccer fields and tennis courts and supports local athletics throughout the year.
“We are not just a German Club, we are a German-Canadian club so you don’t have to be German to join in the activities,” said Hoffman.
With the ‘Biergarten’ opening its gates to patrons on the October 23, Londoners and out-of-towners from all backgrounds look to experience authentic German culture.
“We do a lot of things with a German touch, but this one is very heavy touch!” joked Hoffman.
Volunteers setting up before opening (Benjamin McFadden/XFM News)
