Traditionally, “Oktoberfest” is a world-renowned festival held in Munich, Germany. While the festival is mainly known for beer, it also includes cultural appreciation and a variety of food. Millions of people attend the event to celebrate Bavarian traditions and share a sense of community.
On Oct. 5, Beacon Hose Company No. 1 will host its own annual Octoberfest. The event will feature food, fall drinks, fun games, and activities for the whole family. In addition, Beacon Hose will run hands-on demonstrations to teach some important safety tips to kick off Fire Prevention Week, combining the annual Octoberfest and Fire Prevention Week into one fun fall festival.
“We are combining both functions to make it more of a family event,” said event coordinator Morgan Betti. “We want to make Octoberfest more enjoyable for kids.”
As always, Beacon Hose will also be hosting a bunch of Connecticut’s best food trucks with a variety of cuisines and drinks for the event. Some of the food options available are: Szabo’s Seafood with its fresh seafood; Not Just Blowin’ Smoke with its slow-cooked barbecue; MexiRican Food Truck with a fusion of Mexican and Puerto Rican food; Cricket Car Hop with a menu full of quirky burger and hot dog creations; Meriano’s Cannoli Truck with some of the best homemade cannolis; and The Drunk Alpaca with gourmet snacks and sweet treats.
“We have an awesome line-up of food trucks coming this year,” said Betti. “There will be a huge variety of snacks and drinks to try.”
This year’s Octoberfest will have a unique twist to the food selection. Beacon Hose will be frying up crispy poutine fries.
“We wanted to add something special to the menu this year,” said head poutine chef Laura DeGeorge. Making poutine is a first in Beacon Hose history, and DeGeorge hopes it turns out a success.
It wouldn’t be Octoberfest without beer and other adult beverages, so Beacon Hose is providing a wide selection of drinks from Nikki’s Happy Hitch Bar.
Not only is there fun for adults but also for the entire family. There will be a pick-your-own pumpkin patch to decorate pumpkins from Verab Greenhouses, inflatables from the National Guard, and Beacon Hose will be providing yard and table games. To promote Fire Prevention Week, live fire demonstration activities and a “touch-a-truck” will be displayed to encourage fire safety. People will also get a chance to “Dunk a Hawk.” The Woodland Hawks Softball Team will be running a dunk tank fundraiser at Octoberfest to raise money for the team’s senior college scholarships.
All of Beacon Hose’s proceeds from the event will be donated to the WFSB/WPLR Community Rising Flood Relief Fund administered by TEAM, Inc. The fund assists valley residents and businesses affected by the August 18th flash flood damages. A portion of profits from the food truck and drink vendors will also be used to benefit the cause.
“We wanted to help our neighbors and members of our community,” said Betti.
Beacon Hose has been anxiously awaiting this event. It is a chance for the community to gather together and enjoy some great food, festive drinks, and fall fun, all while benefiting a worthy cause.