Roz LeBel OPI of Oktoberfest 2025 encourages everyone to get their tickets early as sales are hot for the event on Oct. 4. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag Media)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
Dust off your dirndl and lederhosen. Get ready to shout “oans, zwoa, drai, g’suffa” (one, two, three – drink) on Oct. 4, at the third annual Oktoberfest hosted by the CFB Shilo and Region Service Club (SRSC).
Rosalind LeBel, membership chair and official person in charge (OPI), said tickets to the popular event are selling quickly.
“The focus this year is on German beer, German food, German music and games. Everything German,” she said, adding that 75 volunteers are working to make the festival fun.
A variety of three German beers has been ordered, with Canadian beer, coolers and spirits available on the night. As well, Fokko’s Shooter Bar will be open for those wishing to partake of a bit of imbibery.
Lebel detailed the menu for the evening as schnitzel with hunter sauce, spaetzle, Bratwurst, fried cabbage, sauerkraut salad and German chocolate cake to sweeten the palate after dinner.
A ticket to the dinner event is $40 for Military and Veterans, plus their families, with the cost of $45 for those non-military affiliated. Dinner, entertainment provided by the German Band from Winnipeg (yes, that is their real name), along with German games and DJ services by Look Music, will all be included in the price.
“Where else can you get so much for the cost, including free and safe transportation to and from Brandon,” LeBel said.
The Service Club will cover transportation from McDonald’s on Richmond to CFB Shilo and back again. Additionally, a bus service around Shilo, Sprucewoods, and Douglas will be available.
Lebel said some changes have been made to the program this year due to shifting demographics and preferences of attendees.
“We have made the time of festivities earlier in the evening to accommodate those who want to leave by 10 p.m.,” Lebel said. “Doors to L25 on Base open at 3 p.m. The band starts at 4 p.m., with dinner being served between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.”
“The games are set to be just one of the highlights of the night,” she said. “The yodelling competition always brings screeching laughter, and the strong arm contest to see who can hold a full-sized beer stein the longest brings tears of laughter when those suds spill in waves over the top rim.”
Drink tickets will be sold on the night for $5.00. Soda and non-alcoholic drinks will be half a ticket, with payment accepted by cash, debit, or credit card.
Okotoberfest tickets are available at Shilo Mess office and RCA Museum for Military and Veterans, and non-Military at Shilo Cursed Coffee, 340 Esso in Sprucewoods, Sobey’s West, Smitty’s Sportsline & Lounge and Carberry Legion.
