Oktoberfest Fun at the Pomona Fairplex

To Protect and Serve

If you’ve been to the LA County Fair, you know that the Pomona Fairplex sits on an expansive property.  It is spread over numerous acres and has many covered pavilions with abundant open space.  Their oval property reminds me of Dodger Stadium, but unlike that venue, the traffic and parking is not nearly as challenging.  Further, there is a Disney-like feel to it because they have a tram to shuttle you from the distant lots to the main entrance.

There are many events celebrating Oktoberfest, but what struck a chord with me is how well the event was organized.  Upon entering, it’s obvious that both security and safety are paramount in importance.  Local police are highly visible and bags are screened upon entering.  A number of signs advertising taxi rides were present and in fact, they sported a sign that the “first $5’s on us” if you wish to take a cab home.  They also negotiated a $99 rate with the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel for those that did not wish to make the drive home.

Props for Kodak moments were abundant throughout the venue

Oktoberfest is about eating German food, enjoying festive music, and of course, drinking beer.  My wife and I strolled up to the first beer stand and placed an order for 2 regular sized Festival Ales.  We quickly realized that in order to fit in with the crowd, you need to order the 20 oz. steins.

Inside the pavilion is the buffet featuring a large assortment of traditional German food.

• A variety of Bratwursts ( from mild to spicy ) with Sauerkraut.
• Wurstsalat (Salad with marinated meat)
• Weisswurst with Soft Pretzels (Bavarian sweet sausage)
• Schweinehaxe ( Crispy Hock Ham)
• Bratkartoffeln ( German Potato Salad)
• Sauerbrauten ( Meat Roast)
• Schweinebraten ( Pork Roast)
• Apfelstrudel ( Apple Strudel)
• Black Forest cake
• Schmolzkuchen ( warm brown sugar and cinnamon donut holes)

Great variety of traditional German fare

As you can see, I had almost one of everything.  When I am exposed to ethnic cuisine, I have an obsession about trying everything.  The food was delicious.  My wife’s favorite was the German potato salad.  My favorite was the rice with the crispy ham hock.  We both agreed that the apple strudel was a great finish to the evening.

The Rheinlanders, a traditional “oom pah” band

The Rheinlanders, a traditional “oom pah” band was there to serve up such favorites as Roll out the Barrel.  Their traditional, festive attire and music made it extremely enjoyable for those that were waiting in the buffet line.  The pavilion was somewhat self-contained as it had both food, drink and festive German décor.

Heidi and Frank introducing DSB

Heidi and Frank from KLOS were on hand to pump up the crowd.  They introduced the DSB, a Journey tribute band.  If you closed your eyes, lead singer Juan del Castillo made you feel that he was Steve Perry singing at a real Journey concert.

It’s obvious that the event organizers have taken a lot of feedback in order to make improvements.  Those interested in traditional fare and food can remain inside the pavilion and enjoy the evening.  Upon exiting the pavilion, it’s possible to enjoy a drink watching a sporting event such as the World Series.  Attendees not interested in traditional German music can enjoy music from tribute bands featuring music by Queen, Santana or Journey.  The event satisfied all of the senses and my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

• Oktoberfest at the Pomona Fairplex
  http://www.fairplex.com
  1101 W. McKinley Ave.
  Pomona, CA 91768