The Second Annual Oktoberfest “Bier on the Pier,” held on October 7 and 8, 2011, solidified Anacortes' mark on Washington Oktoberfest celebrations. Sponsored by the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce and co-organized by Rockfish Grill/Anacortes Brewery the event hosted the largest gathering of breweries in Washington State. Held at the Port of Anacortes Transit Shed Event Center with wide wooden plank floors, high-beamed ceilings and views of the Guemes Channel and San Juan Island, the location is truly Northwest.
“Bier on the Pier” Oktoberfest in Anacortes
The word Oktoberfest congers up images of women in dirndls, men in lederhosen, tasty golden and amber colored beers, German music and mouth-watering food. Anacortes “Bier on the Pier” honored these iconic themes to enhance event-goers' experience. Richard Riddell, the Anacortes Town Crier, kicked off the event at 5 p.m. on Friday night. Riddell’s booming voice and smiling face gave an "Old Country" feel to this traditional Bavarian celebration.
Inside the pier warehouse 30 Northwest breweries and volunteers readied themselves to pour and talk about their love of beer. The smell of snitzel, bratz, Reubens and kraut wafted in from the food tent tempting your taste buds to sample more than just beer. Guests mingled with friends, chatted with brewers, swigged brew and munched German food, all to the sound of Bavarian music.
Each day attendees voted on their favorite brewery and beer. 2011 People's Choice Award winners were 7 Seas Brewing Company on Friday night and Ellersick Brewery on Saturday. Their cast vote automatically entered them to win one of two giveaway baskets with goodies and gift certificates from a variety of Anacortes businesses. All guests were encouraged to wear their favorite German apparel and enter to win the daily Costume Contest.
Anacortes Oktoberfest Information
The Oktoberfest celebration started on Friday from 5-9, October 7, 2011 and re-opened Saturday from 12-6 on October 8, 2011. Tickets were available at Brown Paper Tickets, the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce and at the door. Advanced purchased one day pass was $20, or $25 at the door. Two-day pass tickets were $35 for advanced and $45 at the door. Each ticket included a tasting beer stein and six tasting tickets. Extra pour tickets were available for purchase.
Oktoberfest has become a local and out of town favorite. If staying over night I would suggest booking your room ahead of time. Also, some accomodations, such as Cap Sante Inn, offered Oktoberfest rates. The event location is one block away from shops and restaurants and a few walkable hotels and inns. The location offers plenty of street parking where attendees can enjoy the festival and walk around beautiful downtown Anacortes.
Lara Dunning - Lara Adrienne Dunning currently lives on Fidalgo Island in the Pacific Northwest where she devotes her time to her family, her work as a ...
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