Time for Oktoberfest!

​As we begin the season of fall, another celebration starts. Oktoberfest is widely considered the biggest folk festival in the world, first originating in Munich, Germany, with celebrations held internationally. While first beginning as a royal wedding celebration, the tradition continues annually, held for 16 days of food and drink, which is the main attraction. 
While the main festival is in Germany, individuals celebrate across Canada, putting their unique twists on the tradition. It's a perfect opportunity to add a Horton Farmers' Market twist this year to your festivities.

​The market is the perfect place to prepare for an Oktoberfest party! One of the most traditional foods served at Oktoberfest is sausage! This brings us to our first stop at Quaker Springs Farm in the indoor pavilion. Quaker Springs carries a delicious variety of sausages, including tomato and pesto, spinach and cheese, chorizo, mild Italian, hot Italian, Hungarian, jalapeno and cheese, and garlic. With so many link options, you'll impress everyone's taste buds. Quaker Springs also makes sausage rolls using their unique sausage mix, perfectly wrapped in dough and baked to perfection. 

To pair with your sausage selections, Kayla's Kitchen carries another popular choice for Oktoberfest; Sauerkraut! Along with tasting delicious when paired with sausage and other meats, sauerkraut has many health benefits, including probiotics from the fermentation of the cabbage. It's a win-win!

​Another well-known snack of this celebration is pretzels! All market visitors are in for an authentic treat with Opa's Pretzels! On their website, the Alexander sisters explain how their grandparents immigrated from Germany to Ontario in the 1950s, bringing their love of baking pretzels. Since then, the sisters have continued their grandfather's tradition, serving Opa's Pretzels across southern Ontario, including at the Horton Farmers' Market. These delicious warm pretzels taste heavenly, especially with their renowned mustard butter. 

​Finally, one of the key elements of Oktoberfest is, of course, the drinks! The market carries a large variety of vendors featuring their best brews. Caps Off Brewing Company is known for its unique selection of brews and ales, perfect for all tastes. The selection of IPAs and ales will pair well with any social event. Railway City Brewing and Natterjack Brewing also have a variety of options available. They will keep your Oktoberfest running as smoothly as the brews taste. 

​With sausage, sauerkraut, traditional pretzels and the best local brews, you'll surely host the best Oktoberfest your friends and family have ever seen. Remember to drink responsibly, and have a good time! 

And suppose hosting isn't your jam, and you'd prefer to join the party. In that case, The St. Thomas Downtown Development Board is hosting Downtown Oktoberfest to celebrate the completion of construction on Talbot St. On Saturday, October 14th from 1pm-8pm in Downtown St. Thomas, there will be Oktoberfest fun for the whole family, including FREE train rides, pumpkin decorating, live Oktoberfest entertainment and more! Shop the shops and then enjoy a beverage in the beer garden with sausage and sauerkraut by the St. Thomas Optimist's Food Truck, Opa's Pretzels and Yashka's Pierogies!