While steins of German beer, lively oom-pahs and fashionable dirndls and lederhosen are all to be expected with any Oktoberfest, it’s the friendly and familiar faces at Whitefish’s Great Northwest Oktoberfest that make the event memorable.  

The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event, estimates thousands of volunteer hours go into each Oktoberfest, between nonprofits bringing lots of hands, to Chamber ambassadors and their Oktoberfest committee helping with everything from event planning to unofficial bouncing. 

Most unique to Whitefish’s Oktoberfest, though, is a bar manned by local nonprofits, where tips go directly to the volunteering nonprofit’s cause.  

There are eight nonprofits servicing the bar this year: Whitefish Theatre Company, Land to Hand, Knights of Columbus, Whitefish Legacy Partners, Moose Lodge, Powdered Souls with Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation, and the Whitefish VFW. Sometimes smaller nonprofits join with other organizations, to make for a full shift of 12-14 volunteers. 

Many depend on not just the tip money, but also the boost from public awareness, said Shannon Fremont-Smith, office and events manager for the Chamber of Commerce.  

“To get 12-14 volunteers to do something for five hours isn’t easy – but it’s known for being fun, and it brings people together,” she said.  

Longtime volunteers and bar managers, Tony Veseth and Katie Williams, help prepare each new crew of volunteers each day. 

Crucial to the authenticity and energy of the event, is Fritz Baake, his daughter Margit, and other members of the Stammtisch – a club that meets in Kalispell to celebrate German culture. Stammtisch members are at Oktoberfest every evening, and can be found contributing to every festivity, earning the only reserved tables at the event. 

Stage crew members such as Jay Crowley on stage crew are always talking to the crowd, keeping people engaged in contests. Going back to 2015, Hop Queens also keep people energized.  

“They do a great job making sure we have a good show, making people get themselves out there... that’s what it’s all about,” said Kevin Gartland, president of the Chamber.  

“[Volunteers] also serve as unofficial bouncers, making sure no one gets out of line. To their credit, we haven’t had a single fight at Oktoberfest. With 15 years, and considering how much beer we go through, it’s a notable thing,” Gartland said.  

Volunteers also sell souvenirs, and monitor people as they leave, making sure they don’t take alcohol. Then, there’s the set up and take down, and cleanup each night.  

Some individuals even call ahead of time to reserve their spot to volunteer on their favorite day, year in and year out, Fremont-Smith said.  

For example, on Local’s Night, Oktoberfest attendees can expect to be greeted at the front gate by volunteers Don Talbot and Joe Hess. 

“It’s amazing how many people say, ‘Yep, I’m in,’” Fremont-Smith said. “I remember meeting a volunteer for the first time years ago, picking every little piece of trash off the ground that she could find. And she’s volunteered every year since.” 

“We couldn’t do it without them,” she added.