The best ever!

Our Mayor Linda Kavanagh honored the event

dressed in traditional Oktoberfest attire. She tapped the ceremonial keg and officially opened the Fountain Hills Oktoberfest announcing “O Zapft is” following the 200-year Oktoberfest tradition.

A letter does not begin to cover the appreciation and gratitude I wish to express to everyone who played a part in making the Oktoberfest a huge success.

Perhaps some would challenge the level of success when lines were too long and in the end the chosen food item was not available. Who could have predicted that folks from all over the Valley chose Fountain Hills to kick off the Oktoberfest season as we dealt with a 60 percent increase in visitors over prior years?

The new layout was optimal and the showmobile added a platform for the band as well as much needed shade in the afternoon. The band, flown in from Germany, provides that original Oktoberfest sound. They play for the love of the music and a little time in sunny Arizona.

On behalf of the Oktoberfest organizing committee, I wish to thank all sponsors who so generously offered financial support and/or in- kind services, the vendors who make shopping for products and services a fun experience and The Times, which helped promote the event. Town staff is readily available to assist and many worked well into the night helping with cleanup.

Over 120 volunteers and members of several service organizations cooked and served food, collected gate and tickets fees, supplied drinks, entertained, coordinated contests, kept the festival grounds clean and safe and made sure everyone knew when to be where.

They volunteer because they like the event and have the opportunity to raise funds for their charities with their hard work.

Each year we try our best and we hope to welcome you back next year.