OLDS — Due to COVID-19, there’s no Oldstoberfest, a unique rodeo with Bavarian overtones, this year.
However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be lot of Bavarian spirit this fall, says Gillian Grant, who serves as the main organizer of the annual event on behalf of C5 Rodeo.
Instead, Sept. 23-26 will be Oldstoberfest Week. The theme is Can’t Stop The Bavarian Spirit.
“It’s not Oldstoberfest. We’re not doing a rodeo or anything. It’s just fun things in the community to bring the spirit of Oldstoberfest,” Grant said during an interview.
For example, the ceremonial tapping the keg at Pomeroy Inn and Suites to kick off Oldstoberfest Week will still go ahead this year.
Other activities include colouring contests and a community business scavanger hunt during which participants could win an ultimate Oldstoberfest prize package.
On Sept. 26, a free drive-thru pancake breakfast will be held at the Olds Regional Exhibition grounds from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., courtesy of Oldstoberfest organizers and the Town of Olds.
However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, this pancake breakfast won’t be like previous ones.
Those who wish to participate in it will have to register online and choose a pancake pick-up time.
Supplies have been donated by local businesses. Members of the Kiwanis Club will serve it.
Grant said organizers were inspired to undertake Oldstoberfest Week after seeing Stampede organizers go ahead with pancake breakfasts and other celebrations during Stampede Week.
Also, a tailgate party was still held on Labour Day even though the traditional CFL Labour Day football game between Calgary and Edmonton was cancelled.
“Basically we were inspired by all those other communities at least to try and keep up the spirit in some way, so we decided to still move ahead and do a few things to at least get the community excited and embraced about it,” Grant said.
Mayor Michael Muzychka is pleased with organizers’ efforts to run Oldstoberfest -- one way or another.
“Oldstoberfest is an event the town really looks forward to,” he said in an email. “We are so pleased C5 Rodeo and the Oldstoberfest committee is keeping the Bavarian spirit alive by hosting a variety of free events for the community during Oldstoberfest Week.”
“It’s going to be some good stuff. You’ve got to make sure you get your pancakes,” Grant added.
