Oktoberfest 2012 not at Bayfront Park?

Does anyone know why Fitger’s is not having its Oktoberfest at Bayfront Park this year? It doesn’t really seem like an Oktoberfest if it’s going to be indoors. Here’s a link to some of the new details.

16 Comments

Swan

about 12 years ago

Fail... I wanted to drink outdoors and play kubb.

Chickonen

about 12 years ago

That is unfortunate. In related news, the sauerkraut eating champion has announced (or is announcing) that, regrettably, he will not be defending his title should the event be held indoors.

agate1023

about 12 years ago

Indoor Hammerschlagen scares me a bit.

Adam S

about 12 years ago

I'm sure it has nothing to do with the money it takes to rent Bayfront for an event.

[email protected]

about 12 years ago

How is this not just a busy night at the Brewhouse?  

Will there be events in the Fitger's courtyards?

nicolai

about 12 years ago

I agree with you Adam that money is probably the reason.  I just took a look at the Bayfront Park's website and it still has the Oktoberfest listed as an upcoming event.  So, I'm assuming Fitger's just recently made the decision to move locations.  @rhetoricguy   I think the majority of the events are being held at Tycoons.  Which is a lot bigger than the Brewhouse but still not enough room for a "proper" Oktoberfest.

emmadogs

about 12 years ago

Burrito-Union-meets-sauerkraut???  There is no word to describe the nausea I now feel.

Blecch.

adam

about 12 years ago

For an event like that, park rental isn't really the issue, staffing is. The past two years they've pretty much had all-hands-on-deck from the BU, BH and Tycoons. For an indoors event (a) you're are not heavily dependent on the weather and (b) your staffing costs are already partly contained. And you don't have to hire (as many) police officers at $50/hour.

nicolai

about 12 years ago

Adam you bring up great points.  But why did they have everything set for using Bayfront Park and then a month before announce that it will be at Tycoons?

[email protected]

about 12 years ago

While I can't argue finances (if you can't afford to rent a park, you can't afford to rent a park), calling whatever this indoor event is "Oktoberfest" feels at best misleading.  

Prove me wrong, kids, prove me wrong.

Herzog

about 12 years ago

Krautaritos wouldn't be outside their modus EmmaD, let's not give them any ideas.  I don't know about you, but I'm not getting the warm-fuzzy, peaceful-easy feeling from Tycoons she-she vibe like I'm supposed to be, even though it kinda looks like Cheers.  And I'm not sure if that is going to improve when you pack over 200 people in there for Ocktoberfest. 

jxndyk

about 12 years ago

I can't even get a little excited about this event.  I was hoping it was some rookie Facebook event snafu.  Bummer.

nicolai

about 12 years ago

In the statement on Facebook from Tim Nelson and Rod Raymond about the move indoors they really don't explain why they are moving it for this year, but it seems like they are hinting toward the fact that its costs a lot and want it to remain free.



Achtung! The 3rd annual Oktoberfest Duluth takes place Friday, September 21 and Saturday, September 22 to coincide with the opening weekend of Germany's Oktoberfest in Munich! Oktoberfest Duluth is moving festivities closer to the Brewery in 2012. With major excitement and fanfare, this year's event will radiate from Fitger's Brewhouse Brewery and Grille out to its taphouses; Tycoons Alehouse & Eatery, Red Star Lounge and the Burrito Union, with Tycoons serving as official festival headquarters. From the first tapping and mayoral toast of Fitger's Brewhouse Oktoberfest lager to the famous Chmielewski Fun Time Band's polkas, the 2012 Oktoberfest Duluth again will bring out the beer drinkers and fun seekers. For a rapidly updating schedule of events, please visit oktoberfestduluth.com. What about Oktoberfest Duluth's switch from Bayfront Park this year? Both the inaugural and the second years of Oktoberfest Duluth were held in Duluth's beautiful Bayfront Park. To help ensure the sustainability of the now regionally endeared event, Just Take Action, Inc, the mothership to Fitger's Brewhouse and its Red Star Lounge, Tycoons Alehouse, and Burrito Union, last month announced a one-year shift in venue into its own taphouses. In keeping with the vision of the original Oktoberfest Munich, Fitger's Brewhouse brewery continues to work with their friends at other craft breweries to also feature their amazing craft-brewed Oktoberfest lagers alongside its own. The Fitger's Brewhouse brewery believes that continuing the substantial financial and human resource investment into this free cultural event has value in its tremendous effect on the beer drinker's awareness about delicious craft beer and its effect on his/her local culture and economy. And, believe it or not, planning is already underway for 2013 when the 4th annual Oktoberfest Duluth is hoped to again return to Bayfront Park. With an all-out effort to organize local and regional breweries and food vendors, everyone expects to enjoy an expanded return of Oktoberfest Duluth to Bayfront Park. With the continued support of Visit Duluth and other organizations charged with promoting Duluth tourism, this free major fall event will thrive for the enjoyment of visitors and locals alike! Hope to see you all at Oktoberfest Duluth 2012, as this major cultural event builds upon long held traditions of regionally produced beer and its place in the community. Prost! Tim Nelson & Rod Raymond

ruby2sd4y

about 12 years ago

Bayfront seemed way too large an area for how big Oktoberfest really was, until it grows more. However, I did like last year's set up, compared to the year before. Leif Erikson Park would have been cool. Maybe cheaper too? And, just a short jaunt/wagon ride (or maybe train or trolly too?) down the path to the other venues.

[email protected]

about 12 years ago

So what exactly is Visit Duluth subsidizing? 

An event at Bayfeont is one thing, but a direct subsidy of expanded operations at Tycoons...

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