Looking Back: The Very First 4th West Oktoberfest
As October ends, we can’t help but find ourselves reminiscing about Salt Lake’s first 4th West Oktoberfest, hosted by Mountain West Hard Cider and Red Rock Brewing. The successful three-day event drew crowds from all over the Northern Utah. “We were pleased with attendance in our first year, and can’t wait to do it again next year,” said Jeff Carleton, co-owner of Mountain West Hard Cider. Scroll down for more of our memories.
Prost! Cheers! Slainte! Or, however you choose to celebrate!
In true Oktoberfest fashion, craft beverages were flowing throughout the event. Red Rock Brewing served up traditional German style brews, including Frohlich Pils, Franconian, Brauhaus Festbier, and Grand Bavaria. And of course, no event is complete without the hand-crafted ciders from Mountain West Hard Cider. The refreshing, easy-drinking 7-Mile Hard Cider (5% ABV) was a perfect accompaniment to the warm October days (and one last September day) during the festival. Whereas Ruby Hard Cider (6.8% ABV), a traditional, dry, English style cider definitely dominated the evenings. Cottonwood Dry Hopped (6.9% ABV), the newest offering from Mountain West, was a close second in consumption and truly brought together the cider/bier bond.
These fine libations complemented the bratwurst sandwich from Shylo’s Mobile Cafe and the ‘Get Loaded’ poutine fries from Poutine Your Mouth perfectly. Several other food vendors joined in on the fun and offered a variety of options for hungry festival goers including Spuds, Tacos Don Rafa, Apollo Burger, and Bumblebee’s BBQ and Grill.
Treat Yourself to a Little Retail Therapy
No Oktoberfest is complete without our amazing community partners. Thanks to Aimee’s Home Cookin’ for the amazing spice blends – did you try the mulled cider?! Garwood’s Ginger Beer also offered a delicious new blackberry concoction at Oktoberfest. And did you get a bit of schwag from Yelp! Salt Lake City or City Weekly who were hanging out with us as well? “We’re excited to expand as 4th West Oktoberfest grows to present even bigger Oktoberfest market with even more great local vendors,” mentions Lansia Wann of Mountain West Hard Cider.
Together We Can Accomplish Anything
Thank you to the over 25 volunteers and EMT professionals (EMT UTAH) whose commitment, hard work, smiling faces, good humor, and willingness to do whatever it takes ensured a successful event. Most of all, thanks to Carlie Torres, voted ‘staff best volunteer’ by Mountain West Hard Cider and Red Rock Brewing staff. “We are beyond grateful for her generosity, upbeat attitude, positive energy and friendship,” said Gina Varni of Mountain West Hard Cider. As a special thank you, Carlie was awarded a basket of Mountain West Cheer (lots of cool merchandise!), two tickets to the 2017 4th West Fest (taking place on the day of the St Patrick’s Day parade), inclusion in future “in-cider” events, an exclusive cider tasting, event opportunities throughout 2017, and a private tour + tasting + food pairing for her and 10 of her closest friends! Congrats and thanks, Carlie!
Giving Back
Not only was 4th West Oktoberfest a blast but it was also for a great cause in support of the Utah Pride Center, a local non-profit organization supporting a thriving LGBTQ+ community in Utah. “We are proud to continuously support our community – between the raffle prize, ring toss, and contributions from organizers, we raised $500 in donations for the Pride Center,” says Jennifer Carleton, owner of Mountain West Hard Cider.
Until next year! Prost!