Oktoberfest

UOW students take part in 'traditional German activities' (image: Oktoberfest Facebook page).

Tonight students can enjoy giant pretzels and hula hooping in UniBar‘s annual ‘Oktoberfest‘, a localised celebration of the famous German event.

Despite the decidedly non-German hula hooping, the UniCentre page boasts an authentic German event.

First year Uni student Kathleen Haines is excited about Oktoberfest as it is “incorporating culture, and not just a drinking event.” Haines is also anticipating big crowds, after 1300 people attended last year.

UOW Retail & Licensing Manager Steve Cooper says “Unicentre is committed to creating events and activities that enhance the student experience. We are also committed to delivering events that celebrate multiple cultures from around the world.”

“The purpose of Oktoberfest is to deliver an event that engages students and enhances their experience on campus by celebrating the German tradition in a fun and safe environment. The event is heavily themed with German decorations, a traditional Oom Pah Pah band, Bratwurst Sausages and activities such as a strong-arm competition to add to the authenticity,” Cooper says.

 The Oktoberfest Facebook page asks students to “dust off your lederhosen,” and many students are expected to get in costume for the event. Haines says ‘cute little outfits’ are part of what makes Oktoberfest so unique and such an experience.

Oom Pah Pah band The Alpine Wanderers are expected to play for the night to give the event a classic German atmosphere.

Traditionally Oktoberfest runs for over a fortnight, but the UOW event will only run from 5-10pm tonight to save students from headaches and fail grades.

Cooper says Unicentre is committed to the responsible service of alcohol, and will implement several strategies to manage alcohol consumption and safety on the premises. Free giant pretzels will accompany beer purchases and Bratwurst rolls are promoted to encourage eating, jugs and shots are not sold at the event, free buses, free and accessible water as well as crowd control and staff trained in RSA standards are all strategies implemented by Unicentre to ensure students have fun and stay safe.

The 18+ event is free to attend and commemorative Tooheys steins are available for purchase on the night. The Facebook page also says that there will be giveaways and challenges throughout the night.

Related articles

• Guten Tag! Oktoberfest’s Finest Attire [Photos] (wcbsfm.radio.com)
• Oktoberfest 2011 (boston.com)