German culture embraced through Oktoberfest

By Ennis Liu

Oktoberfest came to Windsor again this October and was held in the beer garden at Heimat Windsor Banquet Centre.

This is the second Oktoberfest to be celebrated here. Mayor Drew Dilkens came to show his support and celebrate with everyone.

At Oktoberfest, organizers, staff and the band are all dressed in traditional Bavarian costumes. Guests sit on a wooden bench and banter with friends, drink beer, eat large pieces of meat and enjoy themselves.

Ryan Stiller, co-owner of the Heimat Centre, used to take part in the event at the Teutonia Club, which has since shut down.

“We are holding this event because we want to keep our German heritage and Bavarian customs alive here in Windsor,” said Stiller.

The Stillers, a father and son team, opened the restaurant and “biergarten” (beer garden) about two years ago.

The organizers want people to experience as much as possible about the traditional culture of German beer. The event started at 4 p.m., to get everything ready for guests to arrive at 5 p.m. Early arrivals had lots of praise for the beer.

Mayor Drew Dilkens arrived around 6 p.m. and the owner gave a speech to welcome the arrival of the band and introduce the main guests. Dilkens and the owner opened the beer from Munich and gave everyone a taste.

“This is a great event,” said Dilkens. “Oktoberfest is such a special time. We have such a large German population in the city of Windsor and throughout Essex County that it’s great to come here and celebrate with them in a very traditional festival that’s been going on for more than 200 years.”

After this, the band began to play, and everyone hit the dance floor.

The festival will continue through October 12, 13 and 14 at 1367 Drouillard Rd.

Tickets can be purchased on the Heimat Windsor website.