14th annual Lake George Oktoberfest kicks off

Lake George, N.Y. (News10) — It’s the fourteenth year of the annual Lake George Oktoberfest, and the festivities are in full swing. People piled in, lining Canada Street for a weekend of community filled fun.

“We’re a very traditional Oktoberfest,” said organizer John Carr.

The Lake George Oktoberfest draws in crowds from all over. The tradition allows people to experience a slice of Germany. 

“We have five traditional German polka bands,” Carr noted. “We have traditional German dancing and very traditional German snacks, bratwurst, schnitzel, strudel.”

The event also helps support local businesses and vendors. Brian Pettingell is local to Niagara Falls, and is on his second year as a vendor for the festival.

“Once the music is over, everyone turns their attention to us and they just rush out on us like a hawk,” said Pettingell. “Hopefully I can make it through all three days because last year they completely cleared me out of house and home by Saturday night.”

Pettingell prides himself on his artistry.

“I’ve been doing it for about 26 years, but as a full time job, I’m actually celebrating my 10th anniversary this year,” Pettingell explained.

From artists, to community members, and even four legged friends, Oktoberfest brings something for everyone. Lake George local, Alexandra, walked Canada Street with her cat, Mel.

“Her name’s Mel, stands for melodramatic because she’s feisty,” Alexandra laughed. “It makes kids smile, old people smile, you know, everyone smiles and it’s nice.”

Alexandra has lived in the area since she was a child, and finds Oktoberfest to be a great place to catch up with her neighbors.

“I just met this girl in my sister’s class,” Alexandra noted. “It’s cool because you get to meet the community.” 

This weekend’s festivities are free to enter, but next weekend is a ticketed event. All proceeds from next weekend will benefit the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, where organizers told me there are already kids on the waitlist.