Sugar Mountain Resort Oktoberfest, October 8-9

As much as we love fall football season, eventually you're going to need a break from drinking beer and eating hotdogs on the couch. And when that time comes, what better option than to head up to your local resort for Oktoberfest, where you can drink German beer and eat brats in a ski town. See the logic there? 

If you're in the mid-Atlantic, the Sugar Moutain's Oktoberfest is the way to go. Dates and details were just announced:

Sugar Mountain, North Carolina – We've got lots of reasons for you to grab your beer stein, put on your lederhosen or your dirndl, bring your appreciation for local folk dancing and head to Sugar Mountain Resort Saturday & Sunday, October 8 & 9, 2011.  Not only will the Harbour Town Fest Band provide a festive Bavarian atmosphere to Sugar's 21st annual Oktoberfest celebration, the national award winning Avery Smooth Dancers and the Mountain Laurel Cloggers will get your feet stomping and bring out the country drawl in all of us.  Admission, parking and shuttle service are free.  Rain or shine the festival will go on!

Take in the beautiful fall foliage, cool, comfortable mountain temperatures, and a weekend full of festival activities from 10 am until 5 pm each day.  Be sure to bring the kids because the event is for the whole family.

An array of artisans, craftspeople and festival food vendors open their booths at 10:00am each day. A sampling of this year's country craft fair sale items include:  pottery, folk art in glass & wood, books by local and regional authors, stained glass sun-catchers, hair accessories, handmade wooden crafts, custom made furniture, ceramics, polymer clay items, crafted rustic bark, handmade bath & body products, jewelry, home-made baked goods, jams & jellies, kettle corn, funnel cake, crazy fries, local made pasta & sauces and much more.  For those interested in becoming a vendor please call 828-898-4521 x262 or log ontowww.skisugar.com/oktoberfest to find a downloadable vendor invitation and vendor reservation form. 

Enjoy a panoramic view of the North Carolina High Country, Southern Virginia and Eastern Tennessee's beautiful fall foliage from the mile and a half long scenic chairlift ride to Sugar's 5,300 ft peak. Everyone, even mountain bikers are welcome to ride the lift.

A children's activity area, located in the Ski School Play Yard will keep the young ones entertained each day from noon until 4:00pm.  The children's area includes bounce and play stations, hay rides and a chance to meet Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear. Cotton candy, popcorn, candy apples, and drinks are also available in the children's activity area.
An Oktoberfest isn't complete without the sounds of an Oom Pah Band.  From noon until 4:00 pm both Saturday & Sunday the 15 piece Harbour Towne Fest Band guarantees to bring the sounds, dances and enthusiasm of Bavaria to Sugar Mountain.

Adding to the Oktoberfest excitement the Avery Smooth Dancers will perform on Saturday at 1:00pm and the Mountain Laurel Cloggers will perform on Sunday at 1:30pm.  Both dance groups are comprised of local Avery high school, middle school and elementary school students.  They will perform Big Circle Appalachian smooth dancing; the oldest form of square dancing in the United States. The steps and patterns are derived from Scottish and English country dancing and are the forerunner of American clogging steps today.

Bavarian cuisine including bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut, strudel and pretzels will be available starting at 11:00am both Saturday & Sunday.  To help wash it down an ample supply of Spaten beer will generously flow each day until 5:00pm.  Spaten Oktoberfest beer, created in 1872 and brewed in Munich, Germany, is the world's first Oktoberfest beer.  If Bavarian cuisine isn't your preference American hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, and other festive foods will be on hand.

Shop for the upcoming fall and winter seasons at Sugar Mountain Resort's Sports & Gift Shop located on the first level of the main lodge building.  The Ski Shop will offer 40% off all 2011 and older winter apparel and footwear plus all Spyder Sample items will be 50-70% off.  Sale prices are available only during the two-day Oktoberfest from 10 am until 5 pm. Some merchandise exclusions do apply.  For example all accessories including, but not limited to goggles, gloves, hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts and all other souvenir items will not be on sale.  New 2012 winter merchandise will also be available at regular retail. Commemorative Oktoberfest and souvenir items can also be purchased in the Sports Shop or under the tent on the main celebration deck.

If you're planning to spend the weekend take advantage of 25% discounts for on-mountain lodging.  Lodging details and contact information can be found at www.skisugar.com/oktoberfest. 

For a comprehensive hourly weather forecast beginning one week prior to the Oktoberfest please go to Ray's Weather Centerhttp://averyweather.com/Forecast/Oktoberfest. 
 
Rain or shine, the festival will go on!  For additional information or if you are interested in volunteering, or becoming a vendor please call Sugar Mountain Resort's administrative office at: (828) 898-4521 or visit us at www.skisugar.com/oktoberfest.