Beer, sausages, pretzels and polka took center stage in Big Bear during the eighth annual Maifest celebration.
Maifest celebrates the arrival of spring, with traditions similar to that of the better known Oktoberfest.
Big Bear Lake is already one of California’s premiere locations to celebrate Oktoberfest, having hosted major events for the German holiday for over 50 years.
Maifest, pronounced like “my-fest,” can be thought of as Oktoberfest’s little sister, organizers said.
“While Maifest is scaled back version of her big brother, Oktoberfest, the fun is just as big and exciting,” organizers wrote. “She packs a big punch.”
Maifest featured German beers and foods, a craft fair with various vendors, contemporary hits performed in polka-style arrangements, and a hotly contested beer stein-holding competition with a possible spot in a national competition on the line.
Traditional Maipole dances and Maibowle Punch, “a sparkling, fruity Bavarian cocktail,” were also part of the offerings.
Hoping to keep the spirit of the party alive, hundreds of visitors who were already in Big Bear for the Memorial Day weekend, visited the Big Bear Convention center to take part in the festivities.
This year, visitors to the region who book their lodging on BigBear.com are eligible for free general admission tickets to Maifest.
“In Big Bear we kick off the summer a little differently. We do it with a real Oktoberfest twist,” said Visit Big Bear CEO Travis Scott.
The Maifest celebration continues through Memorial Day weekend, with a special encore the following weekend, May 30 through June 1.
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