On Oktoberfest-type of celebration is taking place in Big Bear Lake, CA, not in October but in May. It’s Big Bear Lake Maifest. One f its activities includes a beer stein-holding contest, the winner of which advances to the United States Stein-holding Championships happening in New York City later this fall. Yes there is such a thing and the wiunner of that event moves on to the world finals in, naturally, Germany.
Big Bear Lake Maifest will send its top men’s and women’s stein-holding qualifiers to New York City that involves round-trip airfare and lodging accommodations (valued at $2,000 per qualifier). Those who succeed at the U.S. Finals will then win an all-expense trip to Germany.
Those interested participating can sign up at Big Bear Lake Maifest on May 17, May 24 and 25 (Memorial Day Weekend), and May 31. Big Bear Lake Maifest will host two competitions each day over the four-day festival, which gives contestants eight chances to win! The winner for each class is determined by whoever can hold up a full 1-liter stein the longest. Note: the weight of the liquid-filled dimple stein is approximately five pounds.
The Annual Big Bear Lake Maifest (pronounced My Fest), known as Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest’s little sister, is no stranger to this intense competition. Stein-holding has been a staple at Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest since its inception in 1970, and is now a primary contest held at Maifest.
Stein-holding, which is also known as Masskrugstemmen in Germany, challenges people to hold a full stein with an outstretched arm, chest high, parallel to the ground, without dropping the arm or spilling the stein’s contents. The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest all-time record was set by Ernie Achoa in 1995. Ernie’s time was 18 minutes, 33.9 seconds. That record still stands today!
Big Bear Lake Maifest is a springtime version of Oktoberfest, kicks off Saturday, May 17, and returns the following week for Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25. This year, Big Bear’s Maifest extends an extra weekend for a special encore date on Saturday, May 31.
Big Bear Lake Maifest delivers a springtime festival that cranks up a lively atmosphere and Gemütlichkeit that reflects the spirit of Bavaria and Oktoberfest. Topping the list is Maibock, a German-style brew that’s pale in color and more hop-centric than its fall/winter counterpart bock-style beers. Maibock, which is only available during springtime (mainly brewed for Maifest), has a distinguished lightly sweet, yet rich malty flavor. Plus, Big Bear Lake Maifest adds Oktoberfest cuisine to the mix, such as sizzling bratwursts hot off the grill, homemade sauerkraut, fresh pretzels, and apple strudel with warm vanilla sauce.
The festive Maypole, known as the Maibaum, is an iconic centerpiece that stands 15 feet high and comes adorned with colorful ribbons. The Maifest fun-crew perform customary Maypole dances throughout the day, as well as lead patrons to amusing festive-ribbon dances and Pol Schmücken (maypole-decorating challenge). There’s a live German band, stein-holding competitions, a balloon artist, kids’ activities, vendors and of course the chicken dance. After dark, things take a slight turn, and the party amps up with DJs and American-style bands revving up country and rock hits.
Big Bear Lake Maifest is Saturday, May 17 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The following weekend (Memorial Day Weekend) is Saturday, May 24 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 25 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. A special encore celebration has been added this year for Saturday, May 31 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s a rain or shine event. Admission is $16 for adults, $12 for seniors (62+), and $8 for kids (3 to 12 years of age). Preferred seating is available for $32, which includes reserved seating and table service for food and cocktails. Big Bear Lake Maifest festivities take place at Big Bear Lake Convention Center; home to Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, located at 42900 Big Bear Blvd.
Tickets are available by phone at 909-585-3000 or online at bigbearevents.com,
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