With a change of venue and vendors from all over the state, The County’s Oktoberfest has big things planned for this weekend.
The fourth annual event, led by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Caribou Municipal Airport.
The small event that started with just a few Aroostook County beverage makers has more than tripled in size, and this year literally has something new in the air: a fly-in. Pilots and their families are invited to head north for the German-themed tasting celebration complete with a keg toss, food trucks and music. Organizers are betting on the festival’s tourism potential to entice more people to experience Aroostook County, said LaNiece Sirois, chamber executive director.
“It’s exciting to bring vendors from Portland to Fort Kent, and next year we want to have more. With the new venue we’re trying to grow that reputation,” Sirois said. “We typically draw about 225 people and we’re hoping to exceed 300 this year.”
Ten vendors are on tap, including four from The County: First Mile Brewing Company of Fort Kent, Northern Maine Brewing of Caribou, and The Parkhurst Siding Pub and Rodney’s at 436 Main of Presque Isle.
Orono Brewing Company and Heart of Maine Winery in Lincoln are among the first-time participants.
Orono Brewing started distributing in Aroostook County early last year, co-founder Mark Horton said Friday. He travels north monthly to visit sellers and when the chamber asked him about participating, he was happy to oblige.
“I’ve really enjoyed exploring The County and meeting so many great people,” he said. “I will be bringing our AOK Kolsch, which we make year round, but it is a classic German style that always hits the spot this time of year.”
Horton also will bring other favorites like Tubular New England IPA and Wicked Maine Blueberry Ale, as well as some Wild Maine Vodka seltzer, he said.
Beth and Les Martin own Heart of Maine Winery and will bring some of their popular berry-based wines, Beth Martin said.
“Our most popular is Dragon’s Blood, which is made from blackberries, blueberries and strawberries,” she said. “We’ll probably also bring our sangria, which is a mix of four berries, like elderberry, and pineapple.”
Winemaking is a hobby for the couple, she said. Both have full-time jobs and tend to the winery on weekends. They’ve participated in other festivals, like Bangor Uncorked, and look forward to the northern Maine event.
Geaghan Brothers Brewing Co. of Bangor and Allagash Brewing Company of Portland will also make their debuts at Oktoberfest.
Allagash, a latecomer to the vendor list, learned about the event by word of mouth, Sirois said.
“People talked to people who knew people and it was this big, long chain of getting the right people in order,” she said. “And Allagash wanted to be here.”
Masons Brewing Company of Brewer and Chester Gap Cellars from Front Royal, Virginia, couldn’t come themselves, but are shipping their products in. Local people will pour for them, Sirois said.
The idea of a fly-in came to organizers when the Oktoberfest made the cover of the Activity Maine Brew & Bev Guide, a Windham-based publication, she said. The chamber worked with Caribou’s Airport Advisory Committee and local businesses to create a pilot’s package with discounts on lodging and meals.
A local limousine company will transport guests to and from the airport, Sirois said. For those traveling from Presque Isle, the Aroostook Regional Transportation System will offer rides from its Northeastland Hotel stop to the venue and back again.
Guests join in the spirit by donning German outfits for a costume contest. Games like the keg toss will return, where contestants have two tries to toss an empty keg to see who can throw the farthest. A deejay will provide music, and food trucks will be on site.
This year the event will feature a VIP hour from 1 to 2 p.m. for an additional charge. Guests will have special access to the vendors and products with a performance by local band Common Crossing.
To help ensure safety, Beaulieu’s Garage of Caribou will provide rides for anyone who feels they shouldn’t drive after the event, Sirois said.
Admission is $45 in advance or $50 at the door, and includes a tasting glass and beer and wine. There’s also a designated driver option for $15. VIP tickets are $60. For details visit The County’s Oktoberfest on Facebook.
