Italian village moves to Germany for Oktoberfest

By Dave Clark

Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008 | midnight

For two weekends, Lake Las Vegas' Italian-themed MonteLago Village takes on a German flavor to celebrate Oktoberfest.

The event will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. Oct. 10 and 11 and Oct. 17 and 18.

"Each year we'd like to expand it even more, and eventually get to a traditional Oktoberfest," MonteLago Village events manager Andrea Day said.

Last year's Oktoberfest was initiated at the suggestion of Village owners and shopkeepers to create an annual event. Lake Arrowhead, Calif., experienced success with a similar Oktoberfest, Day said.

"We like to establish annual events, and something like this seems like a great event for locals," Day said.

This year's version will also prominently feature contests, including beer chugging, yodeling and polka dancing. Casamar Market will serve German beer and barbecued bratwurst, and Casino MonteLago will be home to a beer garden.

The Dummkopfs polka band will perform.

"I think it's going to be a fun, exciting event," Day said.

Dave Clark can be reached at 990-2677 or dave.clark@hbcpub.com.