Crazy Mountain Brewery named new official beer sponsor of Beaver Creek Oktoberfest

Beaver Creek’s 14th annual traditional Oktoberfest celebration returns Labor Day weekend Aug. 31 – Sept. 1. This year’s Bavarian-themed festival promises to be the most memorable yet with a celebration of three exclusively crafted German-style brews from the event’s new official beer sponsor, Crazy Mountain Brewery, a locally owned brewery that has quickly taken its craft beer skills to new heights.

All weekend long, a delicious assortment of Bavarian foods will be offered as well as free live entertainment from Beaver Creek’s sister city, Lech-Zurs, Austria, traditional Trachenkappelle band, local German icon Helmut Fricker and guest headliner Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band.

“It’s exciting to partner with Crazy Mountain Brewing for Beaver Creek’s Oktoberfest this year to showcase three unique craft beers created locally just for our event,” commented Tim Baker, executive director of Beaver Creek Resort Company. “As a Colorado favorite, and the Vail Valley’s first production brewery that caters to the craft trend, Crazy Mountain Brewing’s participation creates an even greater draw for Oktoberfest attendees who also love the traditional oom pah pah dancing, live music and Bavarian fare to celebrate Labor Day weekend Beaver Creek-style.”

"We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to brew three new German style beers, a true Oktoberfest lager, a Dunkelweizen and a Kolsch, which will be served exclusively at Beaver Creek's Oktoberfest,” said Kevin Selvy, brewmaster and CEO of Crazy Mountain Brewing. “We are constantly experimenting with our brews and for beer lovers, we’re looking forward to sharing this limited release lineup only in Beaver Creek.”

Also making their Beaver Creek Oktoberfest debut is special guest entertainment Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band. As the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, Who’s Bad’s power-packed live performance is an unrivaled celebration of pop music’s one true King. The show starts 4:30 p.m. each evening following the live performances by Helmut Fricker and “Trachtenkappelle” which start at 11:00 a.m. on the Village Stage.

On Saturday, Aug. 31 at 4 p.m. guests are invited to watch or participate in a Beaver Creek Oktoberfest tradition, the Bavarian Costume Contest, featuring ladies in dirndls and gents in lederhosen competing for the chance to win fun prizes and bragging rights. In addition to the annual Children’s Alpenhorn Contest on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 4 p.m., the Kids’ Fun Zone will be set up all weekend long from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the lawn at Centennial Park.

The Oktoberfest Shuffle is the perfect way for the entire family to kick things off on Sunday, Sept. 1. The lighthearted family-friendly 5km and 10km offer guests of all ages and abilities the opportunity to enjoy a morning walk, hike or run while exploring the scenic trails of Beaver Creek. Pre-register for the event for $35 or enter the day of the race for $40. Children 12 and under participate for free. All proceeds will benefit the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. There will be a post-party celebration following the event where all paid participants will receive a free beer, and bratwurst. The first 125 registered runners will also receive a commemorative quick-dry ball cap.

Oktoberfest Event Schedule:

Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013

Beer Garden, Brats & More, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., on the Beaver Creek Plaza
Kids Fun Zone, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Centennial Park
Trachtenkapelle, Lech-Zurs, Austria, 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. & 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m., on the Plaza Stage
Helmut Fricker Band, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. – 4 p.m. on the Plaza Stage
Bavarian Costume contest, 4:00 p.m., at the Plaza stage *Register at the information kiosk by the ice rink between 12:00pm and 3:30pm
Who’s Bad: the Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., on the Plaza Stage

Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013

Beer Garden, Brats & More, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., on the Beaver Creek Plaza
Kids Fun Zone, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Centennial Park
Trachtenkapelle, Lech-Zurs, Austria, 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. & 1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m., on the Plaza Stage
Helmut Fricker Band, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the Plaza Stage
Kids’ European Alpenhorn Contest, 4:00 p.m., at the Plaza stage *Register at the information kiosk by the ice rink between 12:00pm and 3:30pm
Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., on the Plaza Stage

For more information on Beaver Creek’s Oktoberfest, please visit www.beavercreekoktoberfest.com.