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President's Message

Herzlich Willkommen. A very special welcome to you and the hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Canada and the United States who will join us for nine days of tradition and celebration at Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, the second largest Bavarian festival in the world and one of the top three most recognized event brands in Canada.

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is a celebration of our unique Germanic heritage and the true spirit of Gemütlichkeit. We hope each of you will experience the warmth and hospitality of our community, the fun and fellowship of our festival, and the very best of our German heritage, food, music and festivities.

For the past 12 months, over 485 volunteers have been working to ensure you receive the “ultimate Oktoberfest experience” at Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival. You can enjoy over 40 different Family & Cultural Events, visit one of our 15 Festhallen, or celebrate with family and friends at the annual Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade.

I am very proud of what we have accomplished over the last 40 years and look forward to welcoming you all to the first year of our next 40 years of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest!

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfestist Wunderbar!
Paul Buttinger
President, 2009 - 2010
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest