Celebrating German heritage in Cold Lake

The German ties to 4 Wing Cold Lake are a cause for celebration this weekend.

Volksmarch and Oktoberfest are this Saturday near CFB Cold Lake.

The volksmarch promotes staying active by participating in the German tradition of the “people’s sport” a 4 or 8 kilmoetre walk in the wilderness.

That’s followed by an evening social with food, music, and beer all in the German tradition, said 4 Wing deputy manager, Rob Larsen.

“We start with our ties to Germany which is where 4 Wing came from in 1993,” said Larsen.

“We start the day off with the Volksmarch. We have a nice, new different route this year that starts at our camp and goes through the wilderness. I believe there’s a 4 kilometre and an 8 kilometre route they can take through this. It will be fun out in the elements for the most part…no pre-registration necessary.”

In the evening, Oktoberfest begins with live music from the 4 Wing band and traditional German music, dress and food and drink.

Tickets are on sale now for $20 and the doors open at 9:00pm.

“We’re in a situation where we’re going to sell out here in the next couple of days. Twenty dollars gets you a beer stein and an included drink, a band from Calgary for German music and the 4 Wing band is going to entertain.

“Anyone who was here last year, it’s going ot be even bigger and better. It will go into all hours of the night,” said Larsen.

Registration for the Volksmarch will start at 2:00pm and be at the Cadet Camp (on Queensway Rd; continue driving past the 4 Wing Campground/old Martineau area).

Tickets for Oktoberfest can be found at the Col. J.J. Parr Sports Centre or Club 41.