Montrose to host annual Oktoberfest
MONTROSE— Organizers expect about 30,000 people to enjoy authentic German cuisine, traditional music and carnival rides at the 33rd annual Oktoberfest in Montrose on Saturday.
With hot temperatures expected to continue through the weekend, organizers say this year’s German-themed festival will draw in thousands of families and locals. About 30,000 attended last year’s festival on Honolulu Avenue.
The annual festival, organized by the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce, gives local businesses along the Montrose Shopping Park’s main strip a needed revenue boost and more exposure to new clientele, said Ted Ayala, the chamber’s executive director.
“It’s proven to be the single most profitable day of the year,” he said.
While the festival helps local business owners increase their profit margins, event ticket sales also benefit the community, Ayala said.
Proceeds from ticket sales are donated to local organizations and help pay for future community events, he said.
Saturday’s event is expected to showcase local vendors and German music bands, with carnival rides, games, sausage eating and costume contests.
Glendale police will be monitoring the area and conducting traffic and undercover operations, Sgt. Tom Lorenz said.
“Our goal is to provide very high visibility to deter people from doing the wrong thing,” he said.
Last year’s event resulted in a couple of fights and several alcohol-related arrests, including underage drinking, Lorenz said. Police arrested some people on suspicion of attempting to smoke marijuana in the shopping park’s many alleyways, he added.
Police most commonly respond to reports of children who get lost in the large crowd and separated from parents, he said. Another common complaint is littering.
FYI
What: 33rd Annual Montrose Oktoberfest
When: Noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday
Where: 2300 and 2400 blocks of Honolulu Avenue in Montrose
Contact: For more details, contact the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce at (818) 249-7171.