Beers from historic German breweries will be featured at the Newbury Park Rotary’s 24th Annual Oktoberfest, September 25 and 26, at its new location at the Commemorative Air Force Museum at the Camarillo Airport, 455 Aviation Drive in Camarillo. Local breweries will also be on hand, including Fireman’s Brew, created by two Los Angeles firefighters in 2000.
Fireman’s Brew was originally made for firefighters to enjoy after a long day on the fire lines. It has evolved into a three-beer line that is sold in kegs and bottles. A percentage of its proceeds are donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, an organization dedicated to serving the families of fallen firefighters. Fireman’s Brew is the only beer recognized by the foundation. Its line of beers includes a pilsner style lager, German doublebock and red amber ale.
German beers such as Spaten, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbrauhaus and Weihenstephan will be offering several blends including Fest Beer, marzen, dunkel, palebock, dottelbock and dunkel weizen at the beer-tasting pavilion at Oktoberfest.
“Oktoberfest and beer go hand-in-hand,” said Andy Dominguez, Oktoberfest co-chairperson. “It’s been that way since the first Oktoberfest took place in 1810 in Germany to celebrate the marriage of a Bavarian prince and his bride. The number of breweries in our pavilion has increased each year. This will be our largest.”
The Commemorative Air Force Museum is a new location for the Rotary’s Oktoberfest.
“We’re keeping the traditional Oktoberfest experiences but adding new sights and sounds for festival-goers by hosting the event on museum grounds,” said Dominguez. “World War II aircraft will be on display and vintage planes will do fly-overs throughout the day.”
Oktoberfest will include live German music, dancers and Bavarian contests as well as R&B and jazz bands. More than 30 craft vendors will display their wares. A full food court with Bavarian and other fare will be featured. Festival hours are 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on both days. The cost is $10 for adults with kids under 12 free. Parking is free. Tickets can be purchased online at a discount: www.okto-beerfest.com. For more information, call 805-701-7248.