14 Oct 12th–Oct 18th, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | music | cafe | film | culTuRe | NighT+Day | feaTuRe | NeWs | OPiNiON | feeDBacK | cONTeNTs | lean on today,” he says. For Cecilia Iole, a former Tempe resident who is now an actress in Chicago, visiting Lower Hutt, New Zealand, was the first time while growing up that she felt her impending independence. “That experience shaped who I am as a person now and how I am able to dive head first into a lot of adventures,” she says, “and to not be afraid to try new things.” While many Oktoberfest celebrations are hosted by communities or breweries, organizers and delegates say the Four Peaks Oktoberfest event stands out thanks to its mission. “Because of Oktoberfest, we can fund those travel plans 100%. There’s no out-of- pocket for our students or our adults that exchange,”Tempe Sister Cities President Carrera says. “We couldn’t do it without Oktoberfest.” The accessibility that Tempe Sister Cities creates by covering the costs is important, Zienkewicz says. “It really allows everybody to get the opportunity to travel and experience the culture,” she says. “Now I have friends all over the world.” Volunteers come from around the world It takes a lot of manpower to host the massive festival in Tempe. Some 1,500 to 2,000 volunteers are needed every year, organizers say. Many include the students and families who are delegates or alumni of Tempe Sister Cities. Carrera began as a volunteer working at one of the food tents with his daughters – both of whom went on exchanges. “I was amazed then as I am now at this event. It’s so big,” Carrera says. Volunteers from sister cities make the trek to reconnect and celebrate together in Tempe. One such volunteer is Franz Feldmeier, who participated in the teacher exchangein 1989. The Regensburg sister city president says he’s often asked how Tempe’s event stacks up to the festival in Munich. “The character is the same, but the surroundings are different, of course,” Feldmeier says. The Four Peaks Oktoberfest has been called one of the best celebrations in the U.S. But, Feldmeier says it’s the people and commitment to building community through these cross-cultural exchanges that keep him connected to Tempe — so much so that he calls the city a “second home” and was named an honorary citizen at the 2012 Oktoberfest event. “It opens the world, number one. That’s important,” he says. “It’s the very personal relationships. The motto [for sister cities] is one friendship at a time.” Looking back on Oktoberfest, forward to nonprofit’s future The Tempe event has evolved over the years. It has changed locations, often outgrowing its space. And organizers have worked to stayrelevant in the community, especially as other Oktoberfests began to pop up around the Valley. That has meant adding new experiences, such as country line dancing, a magician to entertain children – and once even hosting a wedding. Sheard says the organizers also have a motto, “Rain or shine, we still stein.” It’s a mantra that was put to the test in 2018, when remnants of a hurricane brought historic amounts of rainfall to the Valley. After inviting everyone who was getting drenched into the covered VIP tent, Sheard says orga- nizers began to pivot, feeding everyone and asking bands to play acoustic sets. “People were having a grand old time,” Sheard says. “Sunday was bright and shiny, and everyone came back.” Organizers also have worked hard at keeping the Oktoberfest “a family event, not just a beer-drinking event,” says Jane, who chaired the event for nearly 30 years and ran the historic Hackett House in which Tempe Sister Cities resides. Continuing in that tradition, Sheard notes that this year will feature carnival games and rides as well as a zone for chil- dren’s activities. The pandemic brought its own set of challenges. In 2020, the festival went virtual and in 2021, it was canceled. Now, the nonprofit is focused on modernizing its headquarters and returning to normal. “It’s just like we’re coming back,” Carrera says. “The phoenix is just rising again. It’s so exciting to have all of that happen.” Four Peaks Oktoberfest presented by BetMGM Oct. 13-15 Tempe Beach Park 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe Tickets may be purchased in advance online for $16; day-of for $20 People age 21 and younger may enter for free. Sunday admission is free for all. Prost! from p 13 (Photo by Four Peaks Oktoberfest)
