Ladysmith’s Little League field changed it’s appearance last Saturday and played host to the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association’s second annual Oktoberfest.
“It was absolutely fantastic and the weather prevailed,” said Brianne Mactier, one of the event organizers. "We grew the event this year by 150 tickets and sold out all 450 tickets.”
The event is hosted by the Ladysmith Downtown Business Association.
“The main sponsor was Bayview Brewing and our sub-sponsors were Zacks Lounge, Mactier Real Estate Group, Motus Fitness, Home Hardware, Airwest Heating and Cooling, Country Grocer, Boumas Meat Market, Ladysmith Art Gallery, A&W and Cottonwood Golf Course. We really had a great core of volunteers, as well,” Mactier said. “And those volunteers who made a huge difference.”
"The idea for the event came up while board members myself, Rod Alsop, Tylor Nelson and Cole Battie were enjoying a pint together," said Mactier. "We thought it would be a great fundraiser and a fun thing for our community and boy were we right. This year we plan to put the funds back into the community through various projects and donations. The event has been well received by the community.”
Members of the committee went door knocking, around the High Street Ball park, again this year, to give the neighbours a heads up.
“We had three local bands entertaining including Decadence, the Offcutz, and One Hip Wonders as well as Lee Warden playing in between sets,” Mactier said.
The beer event attracted a dozen island breweries and food by Zack's Lounge and Monas Pretzels.
“This is becoming one of the community's most beloved events so I think we have to keep it going,” Mactier said. “And the reason we have it in September is it's actually the first day of Oktoberfest in Germany."
