Camp Richardson to hold annual Oktoberfest

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Cali. - Winter may have popped into town for a few days, but fall is back as so is the 23rd annual Oktoberfest at Camp Richardson October 7-8.

This popular rite of passage features the required Oktoberfest and fall inspired brews as well as activities for the whole family from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Admission and parking are free, and festival goers are encouraged to take advantage of the free bike valet in front of the Mountain Sports Center. Bikers will receive an ice cream coupon when they valet their bikes.

Oktoberfest celebrants can choose from seven different seasonal brews that range from Leingukegal’s Oktoberfest to German Spaten as well as Crispin Hard Cider. Other featured beers include Blue Moon Harvest, Sam Adams Octoberfest, Deschutes Hopzeit, New Belgium Wheat, and St. Archer Hoppy Pilsner. The festival tickets for food and beer can only be purchased with cash so remember to bring the green.

Activities include German food and desserts, an owner and dog dress up contest, craft booths, face painting, pumpkin patch, balloon art, bouncy house, bungee platform, live music featuring the polka stylings of the “Gruber Family Band,” and the event’s ever popular beer and wine garden. Food choices include turkey legs or IPA beer infused bratwurst. There’s also a sausage eating contest. Interested contestants need to sign up by 1:30 p.m. at the pumpkin patch on Sunday. The showdown will take place at 3 p.m. on the main stage. Lederhosen are optional but encouraged.

Other contests during the two-day festival range from beer stein holding to yodeling, with winners receiving gift certificates for food, activities, and lodging at the resort. Food and beer can be purchased with Camp Richardson’s Oktoberfest tickets that are on sale, for cash only, behind the hotel at the event.

Vendor row will include many handcrafted and made in Tahoe choices like Tahoe Mountain Soap, Tahoe Bathworks, High Sierra Crystals, and RISE design apparel and hats.

There is still time to catch a ride on Camp Richardson’s Rum Runner cruise. Boats depart Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., for a 90-minute round trip cruise to Emerald Bay. Spots are limited and reservations are recommended to guarantee a berth aboard the resort’s yacht.

The resort’s ice cream parlor is open through Oct. 8, and there is still time to enjoy Tahoe’s beautiful fall weather on the lake. Boat rentals, paddleboards, and water activities are available out of the marina until Oct. 15. Camp Richardson’s General Store is open 7 days a week year round.