ROCHESTER, Mich. — It’s time again to grab your lederhosen and head for the Mills. Following the time-honored Alps tradition that started 200 years ago in Munich, Germany, the Rochester Mills Beer Company invites you to partake in its annual Oktoberfest festivities, September 26-29 — and you needn’t be German or travel halfway around the world to do so.
This family-friendly celebration features German-style cuisine and plenty of beer under a huge outdoor tent. Come join thousands of your closest friends, family and neighbors who annually turnout to enjoy the live music, dancing and children’s activities taking place behind the brewery during the four-day extravaganza.
The weekend kicks off Thursday, Sept. 26 with a Ceremonial tapping of Rochester Mills Oktoberfest Seasonal Celebration Lager in the big tent at 7pm.
Friday, Saturday and now Sunday join the thousands of visitors who annually attend to enjoy the live Oompah and polka music, Bavarian dancing and children’s activities taking place behind the brewery’s Downtown Rochester location. The four-day extravaganza also includes carnival games, moonwalks, pony rides, petting zoo, clowns, as well as balloon and tattoo artists for the kids. Those young at heart can participate in the ever-popular harvest challenges including sauerkraut-eating, brat-eating or stein hoisting competitions. The festival tent is open from 5-11pm on Thursday, 4-11pm on Friday, Noon-11pm on Saturday and 1-6pm on Sunday. Admission is only $5 for adults and is good for all four days; children 16 and under get in free (with a paid adult). A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit and the YMCA North Oakland County Waves swim club who volutneer during the event.
“We celebrated our fifteenth anniversary this year so we knew we had to make our Oktoberfest one of the biggest in Michigan. We’ve added days, extended hours and partnered with the local Lions clubs to bring a full carnival,” said Rochester Mills Beer Co. marketing director David Youngman. “This year’s batch of Oktoberfest Celebration Lager is already available on tap at bars and restaurants across the state.”
and is proving to be more popular than ever.”
Head Brewer Forrest Knapp has prepared fresh batches of Rochester Mills Water Street Wheat (German-style Hefe-Weizen), Lazy Daze Lite (Michigan-style light beer) and this year’s Oktoberfest Lager (German-style lager).
Enjoy live performances nightly under the tent from the Vagabonds and Enzian. The Carpathia dancers will perform Friday and Saturday Night.
The brewpub will operate under regular hours and offer a full menu and selection of beers on tap during the event. Free entertainment inside the brewery features live performances by Under the Covers on Friday and The Remedy on Saturday, both starting at 10pm.
For more information, call 248-650-5080 or log onto www.rochestermillsbeerco.com.
DATES
September 26th, 27th, 28th & 29th 2013
HOURS:
Thursday (September 26) – Ceremonial Tapping of the first keg with Mayor(s) 5-11pm
Friday (September 27) – Festival 4-11pm,
– Live Band Performance 10pm-2am Under The Covers
Saturday (September 28) – Festival Noon-11pm,
– Live Band Performance 10pm-2am The Remedy
Sunday (September 29) – Festival 1-6pm,
LOCATION:
Rochester Mills Beer Co.
400 Water Street Rochester, Michigan 48307
ADMISSION:
$5 adults at the tent; children 16 and under get in free (with a paid adult).
Must be 21 years old or older and have a valid ID to obtain a hand stamp to purchase alcohol.
ABOUT ROCHESTER MILLS BEER CO.
The Rochester Mills Beer Co. opened in 1998 in Downtown Rochester and has been brewing handcrafted lagers and ales ever since. Located in the historic Western Knitting Mill, the brewery is located on Water Street, just two blocks east of Main Street. The menu features a broad selection of eclectic American cuisine, all prepared with the freshest and often local Michigan ingredients. From delectable appetizers, fresh salads, pizzas and pastas to delicious entrees and unique sandwiches, the menu has something for everyone, including the kids. Special amenities include an outdoor patio, pool tables, and live entertainment every Friday, and Saturday nights. The Lazy Daze Lounge is available for private parties. The restaurant has expanded its ability to cater off premises events and parties bringing the Mills to you.
Rochester Mills’ brands, Cornerstone IPA, Rochester Red Ale, Milkshake Stout and Lazy Daze Amber Lager are available on draft to other Michigan bars and restaurants. and packaged product in 16 oz. (Full Pint) cans. Rochester Mills Beer Co. is a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild (www.michiganbrewersguild.org)
ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION
Since its inception in 1984, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan — a chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America — has brought joy into the lives of thousands of people in our Michigan community through its important wish-granting mission. The Foundation has granted more than 6,000 wishes in its 26-year history. More than 80% of the Foundation’s expenditures are directly related to program services (wish granting). The Foundation has offices in Detroit, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. For more information, call 734.994.8620 or visit www.wishmich.org.
Gilda’s Club Metro DetroiT
Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit is a free, non-residential cancer support community for men, women and children affected by cancer. The organization offers emotional and social support through programs such as support groups, educational programs, yoga, music and many other activities. Gilda’s Club currently includes 89 young adult cancer survivors and 146 young adult family members in its 6,000-plus membership.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2008, Gilda’s Club was named in honor of the late comedian and former Detroiter, Gilda Radner. Visitwww.gildasclubdetroit.org or call (248) 577-0800 for more information.
ABOUT NORTH OAKLAND WAVES (NOW) SWIM TEAM
A family-friendly swim team based out of the North Oakland Family YMCA in Auburn Hills offering competitive swimming for all age groups. Instruction, technique, yardage, a positive work ethic, team building, and loads of fun is the NOW experience. NOW is a dual affiliated team, swimming both YMCA and USA meets. NOW offers a year round swim program. For more information visit www.teamunify.com.