Like a lovingly prepared brat, Vail finds itself “sandwiched” between two weekends of Oktoberfest celebrations. This past weekend, the festivities went down in Lionshead, and this upcoming weekend (Sept. 14-16) the Oktoberfestivities will go down in Vail Village. The great thing about Vail Oktoberfest, which separates the celebration from any other in the Valley and perhaps beyond, is the blending of Old World Oktoberfest traditions and contemporary, creative competitions. Some may say unorthodox competitions, but we prefer innovative. The festivities begin Friday the 14th at 5 p.m. with the Opening Ceremony and Official Keg Tapping at 6 p.m. The first evening of Fest will be a relaxed, traditional affair featuring overflowing pints of Erdinger Beer and the oom-pah-pah sounds of the Austrian Swiss Connection. On Saturday, Vail Oktoberfest goes into full swing with live music throughout the day, featuring such acts as The Rhinelanders & Helmut Fricker, Austrian Swiss Duo and headliners Brethren Fast and Jazzompah, proving once and for all that ANYTHING can be fused with jazz. Saturday also features the more contemporary elements we mentioned, the Adult Keg Bowling competition and the Brat Eating Contest. Adult Keg Bowling is, almost, exactly what you are picturing. A competitor will hurl an empty keg (securely strapped to a dolly) with as much strength as he/she can muster toward a pyramid of six empty kegs. After a series of rounds, the individuals with the highest total of fallen keg pins will advance to the finals and closer to the title of “Champion” and a handsome prize. Last weekend, Gino from Chicago won the Lionshead Keg Bowl after what Plummer Amy Hornyak describes as “a heated sudden death.” Will Gino return to defend his title? Who knows, but we suggest all serious keg bowlers begin training in their driveways. And don’t worry even if you don’t place, all competitors will receive a t-shirt and a beer.Now, the Brat Eating Contest is EXACTLY what you’re picturing. Iron-stomach warriors will compete to see who can consume the largest number of freshly roasted brats in three minutes. Last weekend’s Lionshead winner managed to down 5 in three minutes and while that is not on Kobayashi’s level, it is still awesome and disgusting. Make sure to pack some Rolaids if you plan on entering this brat belly battle. Also, we should mention that unlike other food consumption contests, water is for the week. Yeah, you’ll be washing down those brats with good ole Bavarian beer. Saturday’s festivities begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 10 p.m., but make sure to show up early for a full day of live music and events.The Vail Oktoberfest season comes to a close Sunday but not before the Oktoberfest Fun Run, an event perfect for anyone who has spent the last two days consuming nothing but brats and beer. The Fun Run is a 1K, 5K or 10K run/walk/rollerblade with all proceeds benefiting the Children’s Garden of Learning and the Vail Breast Cancer Awareness group. The friendly competition starts at 9 a.m., Sunday September 16 at Checkpoint Charlie’s and will be followed by a party for all participants. You can register for the race by clicking here or when you show up the day of the race. The party will end at 6 p.m. after encore performances by The Rhinelanders & Helmut Fricker and the Austrian Swiss Duo, not to mention another round of keg bowling and brat battling.Visit www.vailoktoberfest.com for a full schedule of events.Check out of some pics from last weekend’s Oktoberfestivities in Lionshead.
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