50th anniversary of Oktoberfest underway with keg tapping

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is celebrating its 50th anniversary and celebrations are underway after Friday's keg tapping ceremony.

As part of this year's festivities, many accordion players joined Grammy winner Walter Ostanek. That included 11-year-old Elliott Huffman of London, Ont.

The build up to the keg tapping included a stein-holding competition.

And a group from Germany performing a traditional whip dance.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic read out the official proclamation from the city to open the festival. He had it printed on a larger than life Blackberry complete with BBM, the messaging service.

Regional Chair Ken Seiling also addressed the crowd.

This will be his last Oktoberfest as regional chair as Seiling is not seeking re-election in the Oct. 22 municipal election.

Miss Oktoberfest Sandra Dynka reminded everyone to have fun but to drink responsibly.

Then it was time for the keg tapping. Hometown Hockey co-hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone joined Oktoberfest president Margo Jones and other dignitaries on stage.

Jones held the mallet and Slone held the spigot at the keg as the crowd yelled for them to tap the keg.

Oktoberfest runs until Oct. 16.