Do you think you know what to expect at Oktoberfest? Think Again.

This year will be the 35th year that the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce will host Oktoberfest. Created by Montrose-Verdugo City’s famed resident Frank Roberts as a way to draw people to the area, Oktoberfest has become a family tradition. We intend to keep it that way. From noon to 6 p. m. we are looking to “up the fun” for families with kids. We are calling it our Family Fun Festival portion of Oktoberfest. As always, we will have carnival rides but will be adding more family friendly activities and attractions within the Oktoberfest theme. Get your costumes ready and plan to participate in our Lil Miss and Master Oktoberfest contest, our best dressed dog contest and our coloring contest. Please also keep checking our website, as we will continue to keep you up to date with all the latest additions to this portion of Oktoberfest. We will also be selling family fun packs of tickets prior to the event so you don’t have to wait in line for your tickets! Now that’s family friendly.

We are also looking to “up the fun” when it comes to entertainment. Last year our Rocktoberfest Stage was a huge success! And we are proud to continue it this year. It featured bands comprised of musicians that live in the local area. Many of these bands were local middle and high school students who loved the idea of playing in their local area. The bands that played later in the evening were musicians that grew up in the area and play in the local bars. They were very excited to play at Oktoberfest as they remembered coming to the event as kids and felt honored to be on the stage.

We will still have the German band that comes and plays and the dancers that perform the traditional dances of Germany and ring the bells that everyone has come to know and love. We will still be showcasing our local kids from the various dance academies and studios around town and will feature our “regular” Oktoberfest bands that you look forward to hearing every year.

Of course, there is the food and the drink! In traditional Oktoberfest fashion, we will have the brats and beer, the pretzels, the nuts, the kettle corn, the sauerkraut, the potato salad and the sno cones. Keep looking for updates because we might just add something new to the menu! Mark your calendars and plan to attend Oktoberfest on Saturday Oct. 6!

Remember: Family Fun Festival from noon to 6 p.m. with additional activities for kids and families. Light the Night will run from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. with additional music and festivities. Rides continue until 11 p.m. Look for more information in the coming months about the 35th Annual Oktoberfest.

The 12th Annual Foothills Community Business Expo is just around the corner. For Chamber members, you will be receiving a mailing this week regarding attending. For those of you not familiar with the Expo, this is an opportunity for you to showcase your business along with other businessowners in the tri-city area to the local community. For more information, please contact the Chamber office.

Don’t forget – For only $99 you can become a member or renew an outdated membership. Becoming a member ensures your business listing in our 2012-13 directory and a listing in our online digital directory. The directory is a great resource that is used by many people in the community.

Upcoming Events
Ribbon cutting on Friday, June 8 at noon at Nature’s Treasure, 3200 La Crescenta Ave., Suite #203, Glendale 91208.

June mixer on Wednesday, June 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Check our website for location details!

Ribbon cutting on Friday, June 15 at noon, Yoga Rocks Studio, 3600 Ocean View Blvd, Suite 11, Montrose.

Artwalk on Saturday, July 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the 2300 and 2400 blocks of Honolulu Avenue/ Artists will be on hand to display their work and music will be filling the air.

12th Annual Foothills Business Expo on Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Verdugo Hills Hospital Fourth Floor Council Room.

35th Annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 6 from noon to 11 p.m.

  melinda clarke