OKTOBERFEST GROWS WITH EXPANDED MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES
MILITARY FAMILIES OFFERED FREE TRAM RIDE FIRST TWO WEEKENDS
SNOWBIRD, UT – Snowbird’s 42nd annual Oktoberfest extends from mid-August until mid-October this season, and kicks off with the traditional lederhosen race on opening day, Aug. 16. Two entertainment stages and new summer activities will add to the mixture of family-fun activities.
“This year there are more outdoor activities and food celebrations for families than ever before at Oktoberfest,” said Bob Bonar, President of Snowbird.
The second annual Lederhosen 1K race will kick off the festival this year on Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. Participants must be wearing a costume, and carry a plastic stein of “beer,” without spilling, as they race one kilometer at the base of Snowbird.
More than 60,000 visitors are expected to visit the festival, which includes live music, dancing, authentic German food and children’s activities, and mountain biking at Snowbird every Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day through Oct. 12.
Snowbird is offering free Aerial Tram rides to active and past military personnel and their families, for the first two weekends, Aug. 16, 17, 23 and 24. Military personnel must present their military identification to the ticket office on the Plaza Deck for a Tram ride. Beginning in September, Oktoberfest attendees will have the chance to donate to two local environmental causes, The National Forest Foundation and The Wasatch Legacy Project. Donations can be made in person at the Snowbird Center.
Oktoberfest features live musical performances each day in the Snowbird Event Center tent from festive local and national acts. Alp horns will chorus the festivities daily at 3:15 p.m. from Hidden Peak.
Visitors will find art for all tastes at “Der Marktplatz,” where more than 25 local and regional artists display and sell handmade arts and crafts. Oktoberfest food includes bratwurst, sauerkraut, apple strudel, pretzels and Bavarian roasted almonds. Local Utah breweries will also be featured. Grand Oktoberfest will take place Labor Day weekend, and will feature Art Brogli, an original Snowbird Oktoberfest performer, who will yodel and play the accordion. A Grand Procession will take place at 2:10 p.m., with the official keg tapping and toasting.
Admission to Oktoberfest is always free. Hours are noon to 6 p.m.
In addition, Snowbird will also be offering a variety of summer activities for all ages. New for this year is the Big Mtn. Trail, a seven-and-a-half mile long mountain bike trail that begins atop Hidden Peak and ends at the Plaza Deck. The Tram will be open for scenic rides throughout Oktoberfest. Other activities include the Vertical Drop, Alpine Slide, Mountain Flyer, Climbing Wall, Bungee Trampolines, Ropes Course, Air Jumper and Kids’ Inflatables. Horseback tours, mountain biking and scooters, and many hiking options are also available.
For media information, please contact Snowbird Communications Manager Brian Brown at bbrown@snowbird.com or (801) 891-3496.
