On October 5, a touch of Germany descended upon Vermilion as Renee and Harm Tjardes, the dynamic duo behind the event, hosted their second V-Town Oktoberfest at the Vermilion Elks Hall. The celebration was a harmonious blend of Vermilion’s charm and the spirited essence of Munich, and attracted attendees from Edmonton and beyond.
Renee, a Vermilion native, embarked on a life-changing journey, leaving her hometown after high school and eventually living in Germany for two decades. Her husband Harm, with roots deeply entrenched in Germany, joined her on her return to Vermilion in August 2020, along with their two boys. This international fusion of backgrounds set the stage for a remarkable evening.
Promising an Oktoberfest experience that might not rival the grandeur of the Munich festivities but would undoubtedly capture its essence, the event did not disappoint. Stepping through the doors of the Elks Hall was akin to being transported from Vermilion to Munich itself. Lively music filled the air, inspiring spontaneous bouts of singing and dancing, while the aroma of baked pretzels wafted enticingly through the venue.
The culinary centerpiece of the evening was a sumptuous feast prepared by the renowned Red Brick. Attendees were treated to a delightful array of dishes, including locally sourced Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Rouladen (beef rolls), Bratwurst, and Wiesenhendl (roast chicken). The meats were sourced from Vermilion Packers, whose German workers faithfully adhere to an authentic recipe for the Bratwurst. No Oktoberfest meal would be complete without a tantalizing array of sides and condiments, including Bratkartoffein (fried Potatoes), Spaetzle (egg noodles), Rotkohl (cooked red cabbage), and Biersosse (beer gravy). To satisfy sweet cravings, attendees could indulge in Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte (black forest cake), and Bretzeln with mustard were offered later in the evening.
Guests were also treated to an array of musical delights, with three bands ensuring that the dance floor was never empty. Von Bieker from Edmonton kicked off the evening, providing entertainment throughout dinner with his one-man indie folk performance. The Alpen Schatz, a lively ensemble from Medicine Hat with deep roots in accordion music, provided a spirited setting for the rest of the night. The local Flatland Beer Bandits then took the stage with special guest fiddler Lexie Lambert, and kept the celebration going until the early morning hours.
“It was an incredibly fun evening for all at the Elks, guests were raving to us about the meals, and the bands had everyone dancing the entire night,” commented Renee.
While traditional costumes were not mandatory, many embraced the spirit of the occasion by donning traditional dress, adding a touch of authenticity to the festivities.
Renee noted, “Most people came in traditional Oktoberfest “Tracht” with the majority in lederhosen and dirndl. We had contests for beer stein holding, pretzel eating, and Oktoberfest trivia with prizes sponsored by Perfectly Mentionables and Harbrook & Paisley.”
One attendee, summed up the evening perfectly: “The night was absolutely amazing, the food was delicious, the music and entertainment were great, and it was way busier than I expected.”
The V-Town Oktoberfest is not just a dinner and dance, it’s a tradition that many would never be able to experience.
“We are putting on this event as private individuals without sponsors. The hall is completely decorated, the washrooms offer perfume and toiletries, the bar is stocked with top-shelf alcohol, the meals are hearty and very generous, and there are three live bands. There is not a lot of profit to be made, but we love doing it for the community – and hope we are able to continue this unique event in 2025,” said Renee.
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