Record Crowds At CROktoberfest In Australia

The ever popular “Croktoberfest” was held last Saturday the 20th of October at Knights Stadium in Sunshine, and by all accounts it was the most successful to date!

The beer and entertainment festival keeps growing from strength to strength and this year was no exception as over 5,000 people passed through the gates. It broke all attendance and revenue records since its inception in 2006. Not even Melbourne’s temperamental weather could keep the revellers away. Thankfully the sun was out for the majority of the day.

The event caters for all ages, and people from all over Australia flock to the Somers St ground for a full day of festivities. This year’s event kicked off at noon and went long into the night, with some patrons still partying as the sun began to rise early on Sunday morning.

As with previous years, there was plenty of beer and traditional Croatian cuisine. The Croktoberfest waitresses wearing Bavarian “dirdls” worked tirelessly pouring steins of local and imported beers while the kitchen staff served roast pork, lamb and the traditional bull on the spit!

Catering for all age groups, this year’s event had plenty on offer for everyone. There were a number of children’s activities including a giant slide/jumping castle, face painting, various stalls and even a kid’s disco! There were even Harley Davidson rides for the more adventurous.
A number of DJs and local bands performed throughout the day, playing a wide range of music including traditional Croatian, folk, pop, dance and rock, with local Croatian band and crowd favourite ‘Major Minor’ headlining late in the evening.

Other entertainers included Elvis impersonator Silas Lulic, Gola Gitara, Nocna Smjena, and Grupa More. Dj’s Delco, Takac, Joko, Jana, Pred and Robbie J kept the groove going all day and night as guys and girls of all ages crammed the dance floor. What started as a small but ambitious event with mostly Croatians attending, has grown considerably over the last few years and now attracts the wider community. People of all nationalities come to celebrate what has become the biggest event on the Croatian calendar in Melbourne.

Melbourne Croatia Social Club president Daniel Keas was overwhelmed with the attendance and thankful of the sponsors and volunteers for their generosity, as well as the organising committee for making it all happen. ” I’m happy to say that over 5,000 people came through the gates over the course of the day and early figures show that this year’s Croktoberfest has proven to be the most profitable yet,” said a delighted Mr Keas.

“I would like to thank our sponsors, volunteers, workers and committee members for making it all happen – it wouldn’t be what it is without them. We achieved our goal, and that was to stage one of the biggest events on the Croatian calendar, catering to everyone from toddlers to adults. We are happy that it was enjoyed by everyone and that there was no reports of any serious incidents.”

As the 2012 Croktoberfest passes and proves to be another successful event, be sure to attend next year for what promises to be another great fun filled day!

By Robert Katavic