I happen to stumble upon tHe Spring’s Oktoberfest today. Apparently, it’s the first day of the 10 day Oktoberfest.
Here’s the thing. The Spring has been organizing Oktoberfest for 3 years (If I am not mistaken), but it is actually the first time I’ve actually been there and experienced it.
Not that I didn’t know about the festival, but I usually just past by as I would be rushing off to somewhere.
This year however, I happened to go to tHe Spring, and took the opportunity to check it out.
THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE SPRING’S OKTOBERFEST
Upon entering tHe Spring’s Oktoberfest, the festivities are evident. There’s a good number of stalls all around, and the crowd seemed really happy to be there.
As I looked around, friends and families were seen seated on prepared tables. Others were busy talking to each other while some were queuing for food at the many stalls.
Right in the center of the festival was a stage set for the band that was ready to entertain the crowd.
I heard the emcee announce that there’s not less than five bands performing. I am not sure if that’s over the span of the whole tHe Spring’s Oktoberfest, or just for the night.
Either way, it was fun to see how merry everyone was as celebrations of this German festival took place.
My daughter choose a seat at the side of the festival ground which was made out of wood pallets. I guess she liked the unique set-up of the table.
FOOD AT THE OKTOBERFEST
A German festival can’t be called a German festival if there’s no beer served.
Beer brand Heineken made themselves noticed at tHe Spring’s Oktoberfest with massive posters and booths set up to serve not only Heineken, but all the beer brands they carry.
I took special notice on the food served because they weren’t exactly local Kuching food. Within the festival grounds there was a variety of South East Asian cuisine and, you guessed it, European dishes.
Some of the stall operators even bothered to dress in the traditional wear according to the food they sold. It was a fun sight indeed.
Below are some of the food stalls I managed to capture on camera during the festival.
Of course any festival in Kuching wouldn’t be quite right if there’s no element of Dayak culture and that goes the same for tHe Spring’s Oktoberfest.
Tucked right at the main entrance of the festival was Carrie’s booth which sold Tuak, a local rice wine.
I personally do not favor Tuak due to its distinctive taste, but Carrie served me her Apple Tuak, and I must admit that it tasted good.
On the same stall was my Dayak pork barbecue. I ordered one and it was made to perfection.
Elsewhere (if you haven’t noticed the pictures above), there was food from the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Mongolia and other European countries.
The video below will give you a better idea of what I saw at the festival.
SOMETHING WORTH TO EXPERIENCE
tHe Spring’s Oktoberfest reminds me a lot of Thailand’s night markets which are clean, lively and very family oriented.
The fact that pork and beer is sold openly makes it even more unique, although I could also see this festival as a mini Kuching Festival in some ways.
The only difference between the two is the proximity of the live band to the festival goers.
Personally, I love live bands and having them close by while enjoying meals is much favored.
I know for the fact that the festival had grown over the years, and I can’t see why it shouldn’t – There’s so many great things to enjoy especially if you are coming with friends.
That said, if you want to experience something different, go to the Oktoberfest which happens from tonight (27 Sept) until 6 Oct 2019, from 6PM to 11PM.
And if you don’t know anything about tHe Spring or where it’s at, read this post about tHe Spring Kuching.
