Oktoberfest celebrates the German tradition and helps support kids with special needs.
It all started on Friday night at Stampede Park with the tapping of a new cask of beer. Beer lovers attending the festival can sample many local craft beers and authentic Bavarian breweries.
There is also music and food sampling to entertain patrons.
This year the event is in support of two charities, Kids Up Front, which helps kids in need attend sporting events through the use of donated tickets, and the Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary, which provides support to families affected by autism spectrum disorder.
So why does Oktoberfest take place in September? The festival began in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of the Bavarian Crown Prince. Since then, the festival was moved to an earlier date for better weather, with the festival’s last day being on the first weekend in October.
Oktoberfest wraps up in Calgary on Saturday at 9:00 p.m.
