Sawdust City Brewing in Gravenhurst will play host for the opening ceremony for Oktoberfest Muskoka 2023.
On Oct. 18 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., the mayors or deputy mayors for the six municipalities in Muskoka and representatives from the area’s Chamber of Commerce will deliver the “tapping of the kegs” but with a Muskoka twist.
Town Crier Bruce Kruger will also be on hand and the Happy Wanderers will play appropriate tunes to get everybody in the Oktoberfest mood.
Norah Fountain, Executive Director of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, says Oktoberfest is typically the week after the Bala Cranberry Festival.
“Almost 40 years ago the Cranberry Festival was started to extend our shoulder season and Oktoberfest builds on that idea,” explains Fountain. “Not only does it encourage our seasonal residents to stay here longer, but it also helps give employees in the tourism and hospitality industry more hours. In turn, that helps encourage staff to come back for seasonal jobs next year.”
The other events will be happening between Oct. 20 and 22 at many of the other craft breweries in Muskoka. Most of them will have bands playing as well. A schedule is on the Oktoberfest website.
“We want people to enjoy our communities at their best all year round and residents and visitors alike are guaranteed a good time at Oktoberfest,” says Kelly Haywood, Executive Director, Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce.
