By Robert Allen
Fort Collins pedaled out its own version of Oktoberfest on Saturday with community staples of beer, bikes and bands.
The event was light on lederhosen but heavy on satisfying suds.
“Anything that involves downtown and beer – how could you go wrong?” said Fortoberfest volunteer Brinda Hadeen after pouring a deep-brown pitcher of Sam Adams Chocolate Bock. “I love the chocolate”
She and Emily Molzahn, a Colorado State University grad student, poured beers from a large Odell Brewing Co. truck that contained about 14 kegs. Molzahn said she took part in the inaugural event to get outside on a nice day and chat with festivalgoers.
Down Walnut Street, Crankenstein co-owner and head mechanic Evan Rau worked on a man’s bicycle.
“I’m just helping people out with whatever they need,” he said, while turning parts on a shifter that had been sticking. “We try to bring a bike stand and tools wherever we go”
Rau said he didn’t expect the first-year event to draw much of a crowd, but there were more people than he expected.
Fortoberfest ran from Friday evening to Saturday night and included beer sampling trays and brew-themed events. Live music from numerous local bands was delivered through multiple stages, and festivalgoers were encouraged to park their bikes on site.
Other local breweries including New Belgium, Pateros Creek and Fort Collins Brewery among others offered a variety of selections on the streets closed to traffic in Old Town Fort Collins.
LENN STOUT / THE COLORADOAN
LENN STOUT / THE COLORADOAN
LENN STOUT / THE COLORADOAN
