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Show 10 Arts and Entertainment FORUMFORTNIGHTLY.COM Oktoberfest at Snowbird Resort Students head for the mountains early to celebrate German traditions Thomas Phelan Staff Reporter Even without snow, there is a reason to visit Snowbird Ski Resort. Oktoberfest is a tradition that began in Bavaria, Germany during the Royal Bavarian Wedding of 1810. It is a celebration of beer and German traditions. To the people of Germany, it is Die Wiesn. festival is one of the biggest gatherings in This the world with more than six million visitors each year. Oktoberfest at Snowbird will be held Aug. 17 to Oct. 13 every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. I prefer to make a day out of Oktoberfest, Snowbird is beautiful during the fall, said University of Utah student Rachael Schmalzle. In the past, I have rented a hotel room at Snowbird with several other kids to prevent drinking and driving. It is important to be able to not only see a side of Germanys culture, but taste it as well. The festival is dedicated to Germany's most famous product, which happens to be beer. If attendees are not of age, or simply dont want to drink, Oktoberfest provides many other opportunities. Even though I cant drink yet, last year I went up to Snowbird to enjoy the scenery, hike around and eat good food, said Westminster College student Charlie 16-d- ay Kofran. Snowbirds Oktoberfest began in 1973 when the towering mountains reminded two Germen men of their hometown. It has now become Utahs premier celebration of German food, music and activities. The event attracts over 60,000 visitors and continues to grow, Oktoberfest is now one of the largest festivals in Utah. Oktoberfest has become so popular that it contin- to start earlier and earlier every year, said Snowbird employee Trevor Keate. As an employee I can really feel the energy and positive vibes, everyone seems to be in a great mood. Oktoberfest is an event that everyone should experience at least once. The majority of action and events take place at the Snowbird Tram Lodge. However, every Saturday and Sunday at 3:15 p.m. the Alphoms per form on Hidden Peak. A tram ride ticket is necessary for the transportation to Hidden Peak, because Hidden Peak is nearly 11,000 ft. in elevation at the top of Snow- For those who are planning to drink, Snowbird ployees provide free shutde services, rr ? e bird. To save money, many at- I? tendees choose to hike to Hidden Peak instead of paying for the tram. The views are breathtaking from Hidden Peak, especially after you put back a few of Germanys finest brewskis, said Westminster College student Brad em-ue- s t i n , v- - - Coffey. Oktoberfest appeals to all age groups.There are carnival games down by the skiers bridge, as well as face painting and caricature drawing. At the lower part of the festival grounds, there is a strongman hammer where people can test their power. Photo by Thomas Phelan Illustration by Jackson Link Westminster's fall theater lineup Meredith Nickels Staff Reporter r This Westminster Fall, Theatre hopes to increase attendance at their shows. The program has grown, the community is passionate and there are plenty of shows for students to attend. The theatre world at Westminster has changed significantly since the major was introduced three years ago. There are more than 30 active members involved in the program. Nina Vought, associate theatre professor, said, Shows have gotten bigger and that is always more fun. Members of the theater community want an active audience so they can show their passion for the stage. Amy Ware, a student in the theatre program, said, The actors and audience are all part of the story. A strong energy in the theater is created from the support of the audience. Its only really theater when the audience begins to participate because performers come with a certain energy and the audience picks up on it and ily that is here to challenge and support each other, Ware said. There are new faces, new shows and new chemistry. The theatre department has three shows this season. Were doing things that are all over the map, Vought said. To kick off the school year, Westminster students are involved in Oedipus The King, which comes out Sept. 6. feeds it back, Vought said. It creates a circuit. Its almost elec- The play, like so many Greek tragedies, also tells a uni- tric. versal More students are participating in the program and this has been positive for the community because everyone is more committed to the events that are put on. We are all a supportive fam cerned with identity, who we are and how we relate to others and to the divine, according to the Westminster website. This play is hosted by the truth-sinc- e we are all con- Westminster theatre department, but is part of the Greek Arts Festival. After it plays at Westminster, the group will travel throughout Utah and continue to perform. Next, the theater program is doing Agatha Christie Oct. 17-1- 9 and 24-2- 6. This is a superlative mystery comedy, according to the theatre website. Last, a women-centere- d piece Getting Out will hit the 14-1- 6 and 21-2- 3. stage Nov. This show is a about a woman getting out of prison. The play, like life, offers no simple answers, but it conveys, with heartrending honesty and compassion, the struggle of someone fighting for her life against incredible odds, according to the Westminster website. Vought said, Students dont know how good it is because if they did, they would all show up. To find out more, students can look at the Westminster College Theatre Facebook and Twitter pages. They can also look on the Westminster website. All students on campus are allowed to audition for the up- coming plays. To audition, students can look for the signup sheet in the Jewett auditorium and must have two monologues ready to perform. Tickets can be acquired at the box office in Jewett. One ticket is free with a Westminster student identification card. |