Beau’s looking to community to “grow” a larger community-wide Oktoberfest

Beau's is inviting Vankleek Hill businesses, organizations, residents and tractor drivers to participate in this year's Oktoberfest, which takes place October 2 and 3, 2010.

Beau's All Natural Brewing Company held a public meeting at the Vankleek Hill Community Centre on June 28th to announce preliminary details about this year's Oktoberfest celebration and announced it is inviting local businesses, organizations and residents to participate in the festival. Vankleek Hill Oktoberfest 2010 will take place at the Vankleek Hill fairgrounds on October 2 and 3. At the meeting, organizers (including Tim Beauchesne and son, Steve Beauchesne) said this year's event will feature twice as many food vendors, more serving staff and will include other upgrades including more tenting and portable heating.

Last year's one-day event attracted 5,000 people and resulted in a $12,000 donation to the Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society. In 2010, Beau's says the two-day event will attract 3,500 people each day.

Satellite Events

At the meeting, Beau's spokesperson Steve Beauchesne emphasized the company's hopes to evolve the annual festival into a town-wide celebration that benefits the entire community. Local business and organizations were invited to host their own Oktoberfest or Vankleek-Hill themed satellite events. These town attractions must add value to Oktoberfest visitors in order to be included in the festival's programming, Beauchesne said. Businesses can purchase Oktoberfest-themed decorations kits to enhance their business locations.
Potential event ideas expressed by Beau's representatives included sidewalk sales, fun activities for kids, historical tours, beer & cheese tastings or Oktoberfest-themed beer dinners. Wherever possible, the brewery has offered itself as a resource in arranging events and has also offered to help brainstorm with those who want to host an event, but aren't exactly sure what it might be.

These satellite events would be promoted in advance through the Beau's website and other Oktoberfest marketing. Additionally, a welcome guide & map will be handed out to ticket holders and would list event details as well as locate the event on a town map.  Those who wish to host a satellite event should contact Steve Beauchesne at steve@beaus.ca or 613-678-2799.

Tractors & Haywagons Volunteers

In order to connect the fairgrounds to the town, a fleet of volunteer tractors & haywagons will be required, say organizers. These haywagons would transport Oktoberfest visitors to strategically selected stops around town, where the visitors would then access satellite events. Ten or more tractors & haywagons are needed from 11a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 2 and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 3. Beau's will cover all gas and insurance expenses. Tractor & haywagon owners who wish to participate should contact Steve Beauchesne at steve@beaus.ca or 613-678-2799.

Volunteers

Volunteers are needed for the event. Volunteers will receive free admission to the event as well as other goodies. If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email to volunteer@beaus.ca