By

Alex Lambert


October 22, 2024

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Pembroke – Schnitzel, bratwurst and beer were just some of the many authentic German favourites enjoyed by visitors to the Pembroke Germania Club last Saturday, when hundreds converged on the hall for its annual Oktoberfest festivities.

The event began in the early afternoon with Club President Shannon Boucher welcoming visitors and crowning a new Miss Oktoberfest.

“It’s a joy to see so many smiling faces coming through the door,” she said. “There was a nice long lineup today. You are ready to immerse yourselves in our German culture, rich traditions, delicious food, and of course, plenty of great beer.

“Lots of things happen behind the scenes. We actually start planning for Oktoberfest 2025 tomorrow (Oct. 20). It doesn’t just happen overnight.”

The former Miss Oktoberfest, Amanda Ryan, bestowed the sash to Caitlyn Biletchi with the support of several other former title holders in attendance before the tapping the keg. Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais joined the new Miss Oktoberfest in the ceremony before expressing his appreciation for the chance to celebrate German culture.

“Pembroke is so blessed to have such a cultural mosaic here in our community,” he said. “I want to echo Shannon’s thoughts in thanking all the different board members and volunteers. Without that backbone, none of this would be possible.”

The Bavarian bash also welcomed several other local dignitaries, such as Laurentian Valley Mayor Steve Bennett, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski and MP Cheryl Gallant, who each took a turn honouring the special celebration.

Mayor Bennett said the annual festival is a must-see for locals and visitors alike.

“You guys have done a great job every year. It’s always a pleasure to come and we never want to miss it.”

Mr. Yakabuski said he’s reminded of German culture at home daily since that’s where his wife was born.

“We just love these fast festivals that you have here,” he said. “It’s such a wonderful way to celebrate. How blessed we are to have a day like today.

“I’ve been here a lot in my 21 years but I don’t think I’ve seen that many people here at this time of the day. Which makes me wonder, ‘What the heck is it going to be like at five o’clock?’ It’s going to be unbelievable.”

The event saw hundreds of people from all walks of life, many of whom enjoyed a variety of delicious snacks like fresh pretzels from Karl’s Bakery in Chapeau and a catered meal from Ullrich’s.

It also included several games and fun shenanigans like contests for the shortest lederhosen, who can move a hula hoop through a row of people, cut a log with an old-fashioned saw the quickest and hold up a stein for the longest.

Dieter Muller entertained with German music throughout the afternoon, taking occasional breaks for Schuhplatter dancers from the Maple Leaf Almarausch Club in Ottawa. The band Sidewinder made up of Glen Getz, Barry Recoskie, Bryan and Terry Mask, and Shawn Lynch, provided the evening entertainment.

Pembroke’s Germania Club is approaching its 70th birthday, and the generations of its past history make for many loyal returning visitors. Dirndls and lederhosen were in the tens of dozens, and the dress was just as authentically German as most attendees.

The event is deeply rooted in German culture and traditions, so attendees didn’t even think about taking the first sip from their stein without raising their glass and extending a hardy “Prost!” to their neighbours.