Eurofest—the new incarnation of Oktoberfest in the Alberni Valley—has been cancelled due to slow ticket sales.
“Our reason for taking this action came about after a universal audit...revealed almost no advance ticket sales from all outlets,” event chair John Kenchenten said.
“As of Tuesday evening (Sept. 30) we had sold 14 tickets. By this date last year we had sold 275.
“It was better to cut our losses.”
Anyone who did purchase tickets will receive a refund “instantly”, he said.
Kenchenten created Eurofest this year after he felt Oktoberfest wasn’t inclusive enough—he wanted something that would have a family orientation, since no minors are permitted in Oktoberfest. The Europa Club had run Oktoberfest for 41 years but the club folded this year and a new committee took on the traditional German celebration.
Kinderfest, another part of Eurofest, has also been cancelled due to lack of ticket sales.
Schutzenfest will still continue at the West Coast Rangers Black Powder Club range east of the city on Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. People of all ages will be able to practice target shooting with .22-calibre rifles for $10 for 10 shots, under supervision.
The range is four kilometres down a logging road and will be marked.
As Schutzenfest is happening during the West Coast Rangers’ annual Thanksgiving Rendezvous, there will be other activities for people to watch.
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