FALL IN SUMMERTIME: We know. You don't even have to tell us because we already know what you're going to tell us. You love a good Oktoberfest, and you really love a good Oktoberfest when it occurs in one of our mountain communities, like Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear. There's something about wearing lederhosen and chicken dancing in the crisp fall air, with a stein of something hefty of taste and sudsy of texture in your hand. But the famous Oktoberfests of SoCal's higher elevations are still months away -- not many months, so don't wail -- and there must be other options. Here's one, and it happens to be in Big Bear to boot. Nope, there will not be lederhosen -- we think, at least? -- maybe someone'll rock the traditional look -- but there will be over 30 brews to sample at Big Bear's Beer & Spirits Fest. It's happening on the not-so-Oktoberfest-y date of Saturday, July 13.
THE DETAILS: St. Joseph's Food Pantry is the beneficiary of the event, which will feature not only beer but spirits like whiskey and tequila. Plus? "(R)anch-style grub" from Wyatt's Cafe & Saloon. That's pretty mountain-riffic, right? Plus a few activities in the mix, and live music, and crafts for sale. We're pre-liking this already.
BUT IF YOU WANNA... wait for Oktoberfest, hold tight: The 43rd Big Bear Oktoberfest debuts on Saturday, Sept. 14. Just two months away, which is nothing. And it gives you time to polish that chicken dance, which, let's be honest, probably needs some polishing. That is, if you haven't been practicing it daily since last fall.
