Well it looks like we won’t be continuing my own little "barometer” trick that I started three years ago to indicate how busy the motel across the street thought the weekend might be. I guess they decided that it was too hard keeping up the display with all the multiple price changes to match the weekend’s anticipated business. See the old and new signs below.
Week 1 (10-11 Sep 2016) This weekend we were entertained on the main stage by Southern California’s very own Express Band and the newly formed Kleine Bär Tänzer (Little Bear Dancers). It was also America’s Heroes weekend with free admission for past and present Military, Fire Fighters, and Law Enforcement. To my untrained eye, Saturday’s attendance appeared to be higher than past years. And, to top it off, I’ve got a new camera this year and I’m still learning how to use it. So, bear with me, please. To view the pictures from the first weekend just click on the Week 1 link at the beginning of this paragraph. Enjoy!
Week 2 (17-18 Sep 2016) For the second weekend were entertained by a new (to us) band on the main stage, The Alpenklänge Band. They came to us all the way from Slovenia and were at our Oktoberfest for just the one weekend. The Kliene Bär Tänzer was the dance group again and we had a preliminary round of the stein-carrying Oktoberfest Queen contest to get the contenders used to carrying before an audience. As you should know by now, click on the Week 2 link at the beginning of this paragraph and enjoy our second weekend of 8.
Week 3 (24-25 Sep 2016) For the third week our band on the main stage are some old friends from Germany, Die New Mainflösser and they’ll be with us for the next two weekends. The last time they were with us was 2013 and you all remember Felix and his “German Elvis” impersonation. Well, he brought it back and the audiences loved it! We also were entertained by the always popular D’Oberlander Dancers and I’ve got two videos of them I’ve posted. So click the Week 3 link and enjoy!
Week 4 (1-2 Oct 2016) The New Mainflösser were back for their second week and we welcomed my favorite dance group - The Cripple Creek Cloggers. I managed to catch some video of them as well so be sure to check that out. So, click the Week 4 link and see what fun you missed if you weren’t there.
Week 5 (7-9 Oct 2016) This was the final week for The New Mainflösser Band all the way from Germany and it was made even harder because Friday was Local’s Night. That meant being on stage Friday from 6pm to Midnight, Saturday from Noon to Midnight and Sunday from Noon to 5:30pm. All in all quite a marathon. The Kleine Bär Tänzer (Little Bear Dancers) performed all three days and the Queen Finals were conducted on Saturday. So, click on the Week 5 link and check it all out.
Week 5.9 - Oktoberfest Unplugged (14 Oct 2016) This will be the fourth year for the event they’ve labeled "Oktoberfest Unplugged” and it requires tickets to be purchased in advance. Details are available at the top of the pictures page (which you can find by clicking on the link at the beginning of this paragraph).
Week 6 (15-16 Oct 2016) For Week 6 on the main stage we were joined by another old friend from Germany, The Aalbachtal Express. They were last with us in 2014 and were enjoyed by all. There’s no question you’d enjoy them. Click the link at the beginning of the paragraph and enjoy the pictures/video.
Week 6.2 - KTLA Visit (18 Oct 2016) And here’s a special bonus. Some of us traveled to LA TV station KTLA (Channel 5) for a promotional appearance to advertise Big Bear Lake’s Oktoberfest. There are both pictures and video so click the Week 6.2 link and enjoy some behind the scene views.
Week 7 (22-23 Oct 2016) And for Week 7, The Aalbachtal Express returned for their last appearance at this year’s event. Very sad to see them go. They were indeed a crowd pleaser with all their music and antics. Hopefully Monica will find a way to bring them back again. And by now you now the drill. Click on the Week 7 URL and enjoy the pictures and videos.
Week 8 (29 Oct 2016) And for our final day this year, Southern California’s Express Band returned to the main stage and helped us get through the yearly German Spooktacular! As usual, there were many unique (and some weird) costumes. So, click on the Week 8 URL and find out how we finished off the 46th Annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest!