Fine time for a stein
BILL BULEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 3 months AGO
Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running. | September 21, 2024 1:09 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — Thanks to steady hands holding beer mugs, the rest of this year promises to be a good one.
Might as well drink to that.
“They say the more beer that hits the floor, the more bad luck you have in the coming year,” said Ben Drake on the opening day of Oktoberfest in downtown Coeur d'Alene. “So we want no drops. It’s got to all be in the mugs.”
A joyous crowd was happy to make sure not a single one was lost on a 67-degree, sunny Friday evening.
“We need good luck this year, guys,” Drake said.
As the keg was tapped, glass steins were thrust under the flowing dark beer. Men and women smiled as a weekend that offers a reason to drink kicked off.
As is tradition, Drake led the crowd in singing, "Ein Prosit Der Gemutlichkeit,” which means "A Toast to Good Cheer.”
“Welcome to Oktoberfest,” shouted Drake, who owns and operates the Crown and Thistle Pub on Fourth Street with wife Jennifer Drake.
About 100 raised their glasses and cheered in agreement.
“I’ll drink to that,” shouted one man wearing lederhosen.
The ceremonial tapping of the keg, along with song, dance and German phrases, opened the annual celebration that includes contests for best traditional dress and stein holding.
The annual event in Munich, Germany, a bigger affair, also kicked off Friday and runs through Oct. 6.
Oktoberfest is organized by the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association. It offers 18 host sites, 30 beer options, two beer gardens, seven live bands and German food from local restaurants.
Rotary Centennial Park on Sherman Avenue will be transformed into the No-Li Biergarten. A second location at Second and Sherman will be transformed into the Prostgarten, filled with beer, food and music on the STCU Stage.
The good times continue today from noon to 8 p.m.
Tickets: cdadowntown.com or check at the Plaza Shops.
Ben Drake holds the keg high after it was emptied on the first day of Oktoberfest in Coeur d'Alene on Friday.ARTICLES BY BILL BULEY
Post Falls man named director of ministry with global reach
Post Falls man named director of ministry with global reach
Grassi, a longtime hunter and fisherman, started what was originally called “Let’s Go Fishing Ministry, Inc.” with a focus on outdoors, men and God. It was later changed to “Men’s Ministry Catalyst." The emphasis was on helping men understand their role as defined in the Bible.
Nonprofit foundation helps family become homeowners for first time
Nonprofit foundation helps family become homeowners for first time
The Young Family’s Foundation launched about a year ago with a mission "to empower young, hardworking families to achieve the dream of home ownership. Even if a family saved $25,000, they would still be $19,000 short of the down payment needed to buy a $550,000 home, which is the median price in Kootenai County. It’s estimated that only about 20% of area households can afford to buy a home.
Nancy Edinger decorates Coeur d'Alene home, keeps husband Ron's spirit alive
Nancy Edinger decorates Coeur d'Alene home, keeps husband Ron's spirit alive
Nancy Edinger decorates Coeur d'Alene home, keeps husband Ron's spirit alive