Labor Day is just around the corner and with it, the summer season is almost over. It is time to start thinking about the fall, and there is no better way to welcome the new season than celebrating at Oktoberfest 2015 hosted by the Visalia Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Budweiser. Building on the success of last year, Oktoberfest will again host live bands, The Patrick Contreras Band, Ryan Dean & the Bricktops, Richfield, and Das Polka Dots amongst the scenic pumpkin patch.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 1, 2015 at Vossler Farms, Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze (26773 S. Mooney) from 5:30 – 9:30pm. Traditionally, Oktoberfest is known for great entertainment, great food and, of course, beer.
“Last year’s event was a huge success due in part to event location at Vossler Farms. Having Oktoberfest located at the farm is a great celebration of fall and the harvest.” said Todd Mackey, Oktoberfest committee chairman.
Live music is always a big part of the Oktoberfest. This year four bands will be performing throughout the night. Das Polka Dots is a combination of session musicians that have come together to perform traditional German music tailored for this specific event. Ryan Dean & The Bricktops is a local band from Hanford with a blues/rock/soul; almost classic rock feel to it. The Americana Rock Country music of Richfield pulls from traditional American roots songwriters and blends together a sound that now defines them. Following the completion of their first official album titled “High Fences,” the band has been performing in an ever-increasing circle of venues and music festivals.
This year’s event headliner is the Patrick Contreras Band. Born and raised in Fresno, Patrick Contreras has branded his style of playing with influences of Hip Hop, Mariachi, Rock, Soul, Jazz, Electronic and Classical to become one of Violin’s rising stars with a completely unique sound. Patrick thrills audiences wherever he goes with his original music and explosive interpretations of Jimi Hendrix.
This year Oktoberfest will be emceed by actor Glenn Heath. Heath is originally from Visalia, having graduated from Mt. Whitney in 1988. For 25 years Glenn has been performing on the stage and on screen. He’s worked on more than 25 feature films, numerous commercials and has had more than 1,000 live Comedy Improv performances. Currently residing in Las Vegas, Heath has performed in a number of Vegas Strip Shows at Excalibur, Bally’s, the Hilton, the Plaza, Palace Station, Silverton and Bourbon Street Casinos.
General admission tickets for Oktoberfest are $35 (advance purchase) or $40 the day of the event. Ticket admission includes live entertainment food tastings and a mug for beer and wine tasting.
Tickets can be purchased at:
- Ashoori & Co. Jewelers – 4212 S. Mooney Blvd.
- Cellar Door – 101 W Main St.
- Details Party Rentals – 3809 N. Mooney Blvd, Tulare
- IDEA! Printing & Graphics – 1921 E Main St.
- Rabobank – 618 W Main St.
- Rabobank – 3443 S. Mooney Blvd.
- Velouria Records – 109 E Main St.
- Visalia Music School – 2332 W Whitendale St. B
- Visalia Chamber of Commerce – 222 N. Garden St. Suite 300
Tickets may be purchased on line at http://tinyurl.com/oktoberfest2015
If you would like your restaurant or brewery to be an Oktoberfest participant call the Chamber of Commerce at 559-734-5876. Business sponsorships and vendor booths are available now.
For more information on this event, call the Visalia Chamber at (559)734-5876 or go to www.visaliachamber.org.