Oktoberfest time is here

It is time to dust off your lederhosen and listen to your favorite oompapa band. Yes, it is Oktoberfest in Montrose. The celebration begins Saturday at noon and ends at 11 p.m. with an estimated 20,000 visitors expected along Honolulu Avenue. This traditional event will offer all those things that Oktoberfest attendees have come to expect: bratwurst, sauerkraut and beer as well as contests, variety shows, bingo and much more.

For 30 years the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce has presented Oktoberfest. “It was started by Frank Roberts,” remembers Jim Bates, chief executive officer of the chamber.

“We will have everything we had last year, except for the big screen televisions,” Bates said. There was a scheduling conflict with the TV company, “but there will be bingo,” he promised.

Bates said that bingo is one of the most popular attractions at the festival and will be held in the parking lot of Montrose Travel, 2349 Honolulu Ave., from 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Another popular tradition at Oktoberfest is “The Best Dressed Dog” contest. This is the time when creative, coiffed dogs can strut across the main stage with their proud owners at their side. All breeds of dog are welcomed. They can be dressed in Alpine hats, dirndl, lederhosen or any outfit. The main stage is located at the corner of Honolulu Avenue and Ocean View Boulevard. The winning dog will receive a $50 gift certificate from Andersen’s Pet Shop and a certificate for a photo from Bronson Photography. Entry forms for this contest are available at Andersen’s Pet Shop, 2218 Honolulu Ave.; Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber; other Montrose merchants and at the Information Booth on the day of Oktoberfest.

And if food, contests with perfectly pampered pets and bingo isn’t enough, there will also be carnival-type rides for kids and adults. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., visitors who just want to sit down, drink a beer or soda and listen to German music can do so at the Beer Garden stage.