Oktoberfest is a festival that many cities and towns, including La Crescenta, hold annually in the month of October. Since 1977, La Crescenta residents have been organizing and attending Oktoberfest. Every year, students from ASB (student body) and AFJROTC (Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corp) volunteer to help set up booths the morning of the festival. Families and friends gather and spend the night playing games, riding rides, and eating. Some even dress in traditional German clothing for the occasion. Once the festival starts, adults are given wristbands that allow them to have access to alcoholic beverages while it is made sure that children, or those under the legal drinking age, do not.
Oktoberfest is something that people of all ages look forward to. “My friends and I have gone every year since we found out about it,” 15 year old Debbie Ryu said. “My parents also like to go.” Tickets can be bought at booths, which can then be used to pay for rides and food. Multiple booths are spread throughout the festival for convenience, and multiple employees work them for efficiency. Most of the tickets are used for the rides, the most popular attraction among children, teenagers, and young adults.
The German food served at Oktoberfest is also very popular. “The food is amazing,” La Crescenta resident, Rebecca Park, exclaimed, “Especially the German food. It’s something that I only have once a year and it’s always a treat.” Lines are long and seats are always filled. However, there are also other foods, such as hot dogs, for those who prefer it. Furthermore, snacks such as cotton candy, pretzels, and brownies are available.
The festival usually starts at around 4 p.m, and rides officially shut down at 11 p.m. Some stay the entire time, but most go once it gets darker. All the rides light up, and live music keeps everyone energetic. “Everytime I go, I’ll feel the adrenaline after about thirty minutes. I spend hours there and I always have such a crazy and fun time,” Vivien Adamian said. “I usually go with my friends and cousins,” she added.
Oktoberfest is a La Crescenta tradition that everyone can enjoy together. Students have the opportunity to volunteer and help out, while others can experience an all-age event. Both adults and children look forward to it all year, and they are never disappointed.