Saturday, August 3, 2019

Roll out the barrel for lots of craft beer fun; Oktoberfest zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi


   One-Tank Trip for Aug. 3/19

   (c) By Jim Fox

   What do Fat Tire, Big Rock, Von Bugle, All or Nothing, Common Good, Left Field and Shawn & Ed have in common?
   They’re among the craft brews being featured at a Toronto festival Aug. 9 and 10.
   The Roundhouse Craft Beer Festival showcases beer “brewed in small batches using artisanal styles and all-natural, undiluted quality ingredients.”
A tasty sampling of various craft beers is offered at beer fests. (Jim Fox photo)
   Hosted by Steam Whistle Brewing, one of Canada’s leading independent craft breweries, the fest happens in its Roundhouse Park (255 Bremner Blvd.).
   “The festival gives beer lovers a chance to enjoy some of the finest craft brews in this province,” said Tim McLaughlin of Steam Whistle.
   The festival has become more than just a chance to drink beer, he said, noting there will be live music, a movie night, backyard games and food trucks for a “great party, in a great park setting.”
   While some of Ontario’s best craft beers remain in the spotlight, the festival is building an all-new program around these independents.
Another craft beer coming up at the Toronto fest.
   This year will feature 40 craft beer vendors, food trucks, a music lineup curated from the NXNE festival and lawn games.

   There’s the Brew and View movie on the Friday to showing the 1986 Tom Cruise classic Top Gun, in partnership with the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show.
   “The simple truth about locally made craft beer is that when people get to try it, they love it," says Scott Simmons, president, Ontario Craft Brewers.
   Tickets include a weekend pass and early entry on the Saturday. Details: craftbeerfest.ca
 
German- Oktoberfest rock-style band Dorfrocker will perform at Bingemans.
   Rolling out the barrel
   They know a thing of two about quaffing Germanic suds as Bingemans (425 Bingemans Centre Drive) in Kitchener will roll out the fun for its 51st season of Oktoberfest.
   The rallying cry is Ein Prosit, a Bavarian drinking song preceded by the chant “zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi.”
   Loosely translated, it means “down the hatch,” as revellers finish off with a round of polkas and into another rousing chorus.
   Everything is “Wunderbar” at the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest from Oct.11 to 19 as craft beers are making their way into the offerings for Bingemans’ celebrations.
   “Anyone wanting to get in the Oktoberfest spirit early can vote for the craft beer they’d like to see served by going online,” said Beverly Brenneman, marketing coordinator.
   The entertainment complex will include the return of the second festhall, Paulaner Haus, as well as Prosit Platz, a large outdoor licensed patio area.
   Festbier, specially brewed for the Bingemans’ Kool Haus festhall by sponsor Waterloo Brewing, will be available at the events and LCBO stores.
   There will also be Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr, brews directly from Munich.
   Entertainment is headlined by Germany’s biggest oom-pah/rock band Dorfrocker on Oct. 11 and 12. bingemans.com; (519) 744-1555
 
Prime Minster Justin Trudeau taps a keg of beer to launch an earlier K-W Oktoberfest. (Sylvia Pond Photo)
   Brewfest season
   A Summer Brewfest will be held at Waterloo Brewing (400 Bingemans Centre Drive) in Kitchener on Aug. 17 from noon to 10 p.m.
   Tickets include five beer samples, “limited-edition swag,” a ticket to Kool Haus, tour of the new taproom, live music, food trucks, ciders, cocktails and slushies. waterloobrewing.com

   Brews and cruises
   Hornblower Niagara has new VIP Brews and Cruise events combining “an unforgettable experience under the starry skies and falls fireworks.”
Hornblower offers VIP Brews cruises with Niagara Falls fireworks
   Available on select dates though Thanksgiving weekend, there’s a ride on the Hornblower Niagara Funicular and two-hour pre-cruise party in the private VIP event tent.
   It includes gourmet appetizers, private bar service, a DJ and priority boarding for the 40-minute cruise under the nightly fireworks. niagaracruises.com

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   Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
   For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca

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