Snowmass history: Oktoberfest

“It’s Oktoberfest time in S’mass” proclaimed The Aspen Times on Sept. 20, 1984. “Returning as master of ceremonies is Steve Knowlton from Littleton. Among the variety of old world entertainments on tap will be Fritz Tatzer & the Mountain Boys, the Denver Dutchmen, Rudi’s International Folk Dancers, Ralph Downey on alpenhorn, accordionist Steen Gantzel and Hans Reiger on zither … In true Bavarian style, there will be plenty of ice cold beer. Drawings will be held throughout the weekend for an all-expenses paid trip for two to 1985 Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. New this year will be games sponsored by local arts organizations. Les Dames de Ballet will have a dunking booth, along with Barbie Benton and her own cotton candy machine for the benefit of Ballet/Aspen.” Other activities included a Raku booth to glaze tea bowls for Anderson Ranch, souvenir photographs for those who chose to stand behind buxom bierstube waitresses for the Snowmass Theatre Co., music, dancing, knee judging, and plenty of food and drink. Even the Snowmass Wildcat Fire Department brought a truck and ladder and gave live demonstrations.

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