By Margie M. Palmer
Oktoberfest is arguably La Mesa’s largest civic event and for the first time in more than 40 years, the city is facilitating it.
In years past, the event had often been produced by the La Mesa Merchant’s Association and the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce. The Merchants Association and the Chamber parted ways after 2014; last year, the association failed to pay more than $47,000 in fees to the city to cover the cost of safety services, such as police, fire personnel and traffic control.
The payment default was turned over to a collection agency earlier this year.
“The La Mesa Merchant’s Association is still in debt to the city and since they were unable to make the payment, they were not allowed to pull the permits for the event,” said La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis.
Vice Mayor Guy McWhirter said the city is well aware that Oktoberfest is amongst La Mesa’s most beloved traditions. Letting the event lapse, even for just one year, was not seen as being an option.
“We didn’t want to lose the momentum so we started researching companies that were experienced in hosting large events,” McWhirter said.
After an exhaustive search process, the city chose to partner with EventWerks, which produces similar events in Orange County and Lake Arrowhead.
Although some residents have expressed concerns about the city getting into the event planning business, city officials feel that managing Oktoberfest will allow them “to create something that would support existing businesses in the village and make sure the exposure that Oktoberfest brings will help their businesses all year long,” Arapostathis said, adding that a second main goal is to bring the event back to its roots.
“We’ve heard citizenry and visitors say the event had lost its authentic feel so we wanted to bring back authentic music and décor that ties in with the theme,” he said “We’re working closely with EventWerks to meet the objectives we’ve set for 2016.”
Some of this year’s highlights will include arts and crafts, an authentic German band, stein holding, sausage tossing and sauerkraut eating. The event will also boast two beer gardens; one will feature larger, regional breweries while the second will highlight local breweries and wineries.
McWhirter said that as someone who has lived in the city for more than 50 years, Oktoberfest has always been something he’s looked forward to.
“When I was younger it was about hanging out with my friends and eating the food. When I got older, it was about hanging out with my friends and eating the food,” he said, laughing. “Now it’s about bringing vendors and people in who have crafts, or Christmas crafts that they want to share because there are people who are coming in who are looking to buy things. People want to buy authentic trinkets that aren’t made in China. It’s also about enjoying the festive attitudes that you see in parents and young children. Oktoberfest is not just for adults, but it’s for the whole family.”
Residents agree.
“For me, Oktoberfest is more than delicious food and beer and crafts for every occasion,” born-and-raised La Mesan Katie Memmel said. “It’s a treasury of memories — getting lost in the crowd as a toddler; strolling the booths hand-in-hand with my first boyfriend; finally being old enough to drink at the beer gardens; watching my kids gorge on kettle corn and make their own lasting memories. Oktoberfest is my past, present and future and no, I’m not crying. Somebody must be chopping onions nearby.”
La Mesa Oktoberfest will take place on Friday Sept. 30 through Sunday Oct. 2 in the La Mesa Village on La Mesa Boulevard, between Spring Street and Fourth Street in La Mesa. Parking is limited. The use of public transportation, including the trolley, ride-share services and taxis is strongly recommended. Admission is free. For more information, visit bit.ly/2cbnhOF.
—Margie M. Palmer is a San Diego-based freelance writer who has been racking up bylines for over a decade. Reach her at [email protected].
