Banner Elk, NC – Grab your beer stein, put on your lederhosen and head to Sugar Mountain Resort for the 20th annual Oktoberfest celebration Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9-10. Take in the beautiful fall foliage surrounding the North Carolina ski and snowboard resort; cool, comfortable mountain temperatures; and a weekend full of activities from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day. Admission and parking are free, and the event takes place rain or shine.nAn array of artisans and craftspeople open their stands at 10:00 a.m. each day. A sampling of this year’s country craft fair vendors include pottery, folk art in glass and wood, books by local and regional authors, stained glass sun-catchers, handmade wooden cutting boards, quilted items, handmade children’s toys, handmade furniture, dolls, ceramics, handmade bath and body products, jewelry, home-made baked goods, jams and jellies, bird feeders, pet clothing, and more.
Enjoy a panoramic view of the North Carolina high country, southern Virginia and eastern Tennessee’s beautiful fall foliage from the mile and a half long scenic chairlift ride to Sugar’s 5,300-foot peak. Everyone, including mountain bikers are welcome to ride the lift.
The children’s activity center, located in the Ski School Play Yard will keep the young ones entertained each day from noon until 4:00 p.m. The children’s activity center includes bounce and play stations, hay rides, and a chance to meet Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear. Cotton candy, popcorn, candy apples, homemade cookies and drinks are also available in the children’s activity center. All ages are welcome to participate.
Sugar Mountain Resort’s Sport Shop will be offering 50% off all 2010 and older winter apparel and footwear during the two-day Oktoberfest. All accessories including goggles, gloves, hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts and all other souvenir items will be excluded from the 50% sale. New 2011 winter merchandise will also be available at regular retail.
An Oktoberfest isn’t complete without the sounds of an oompah band. From noon until 4:00 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday the 15 piece Harbour Towne Fest Band will bring the sounds, dances and enthusiasm of Bavaria to Sugar Mountain.
Bavarian cuisine, including bratwurst, knackwurst, sauerkraut and pretzels will be available starting at 11:00 a.m. both Saturday & Sunday. To help wash it down an ample supply of Spaten beer will flow each day until 5:00 p.m. If Bavarian cuisine isn’t your thing, hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, cotton candy, kettle corn, funnel cakes, candy apples, and other festival foods will be on hand.