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Don Your Lederhosen! Sugar Mountain’s 23rd Annual Oktoberfest Continues Sunday with Fun for the Family

by Madison V. Fisler

Oct. 11, 2013. Hayrides, ski lift rides, Bavarian-style cuisine and authentic beer, live music, beautiful views, fun for everyone and it’s entirely free? Sounds like Oktoberfest is back at Sugar Mountain!

That’s right, Oktoberfest has returned to the High Country and this year it’s going to be better than ever. Oktoberfest was once just one day packed full of fun, but four years ago the event got so big that it had to be split into two whole days full of food, beverages, vendors, music and so much more, so get on your best Bavarian garb and get ready for a German-good time!

This festival is for everyone, young and old.

“We have something for everyone,” said Kim Jochl of Sugar Mountain Resort. “From the kids to parents to the grandparents, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

imgres93On Oct. 12-13, the festival will provide fun for all from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the entire weekend. Live musical entertainment will be provided each day by the Harbour Towne Fest Band, which has been a staple at the event for more than five years. New to the festival this year, the Valle Crucis Middle School Band will give a special performance on Oct. 12, at 2 p.m. 

Aside from the great music, there will also be a variety of craftsmen and artisans at Oktoberfest showing off their wares.

“We always have a great crowd of repeat craft and art vendors that our guests come to see,” Jochl said. “But we have a great selection of new ones every year.” 

This year there are more craftsmen and artisans than ever before in the 23-year history of Sugar Mountain’s Oktoberfest with 70 vendors making their way to the autumnal festival. 

Take the kids to play the new 18-hole putt-putt course, or let your young adventurers climb the rock wall. There is also a bounce house and face painting to enthrall kids of all ages. Also new this year, the kids area will be open one hour later than in previous years to maximize the fun for the whole family. This year, the kids section will remain open from noon-5 p.m. each day instead of closing at 4 p.m. as it did in previous years. 

Chairlift rides to Sugar’s 5,300 foot peak will also be available during Oktoberfest for those who are looking for a little more adventure. This is your last chance to participate in this high-flying adventure until after the ski season. Hay rides are also available for the whole family to enjoy, as well as food vendors, beer and more!

No Oktoberfest would be complete without German food and drink! Bavarian cuisine at Oktoberfest this year will include bratwurst, sauerkraut, knockwurst, pretzels and more. And of course, you can’t have an Oktoberfest without authentic German beer.

And don’t forget, the entire event is completely free and open to the public. For food and to purchase crafts from the many vendors on site, make sure to bring cash or debit cards. There is an ATM available at Sugar Mountain for those needing to use one.

While you’re there, don’t forget about the Sports Shop Super Sale during Oktoberfest. For more information about the Super Sale, click here.  

For more information on Oktoberfest this year, visit the website here