Oktoberfest and beer tasting at Carson Valley Inn

Staff Reports

The Carson Valley Inn's annual Oktoberfest & Beer Tasting is 7-10 p.m. Oct. 16 in the hotel/casino's Shannon Ballroom. This festive event features a wide variety of beers, an abundance of fantastic food and a live German band.

Beer lovers can enjoy a generous selection of ales, lagers, pilsners and stouts - plus traditional German beers and special Oktoberfest brews. Multiple food stations spill over with German favorites such as Beer-Steamed Sausages, Knockwurst, Bockwurst, Sauerbraten, Pork Loin, Sauerkraut, German Cold Cuts, Cheeses, Potato Pancakes, Spaetzle, a Hot Pretzel Bar and a festival of German Desserts and Strudel.

The Al Gruber Band returns this year to play all the German tunes, lead sing-alongs, and make sure everyone feels comfortable doing the Oktoberfest tradition - the Chicken Dance! If you have some authentic German attire, feel free to wear it - a prize will be awarded for the best costume.

The all-inclusive price for all the food, beer, dancing and fun is $49 per person. An informational flyer (including ticket order form and hotel room reservation form) is available at the Carson Valley Inn hotel desk, online at www.cvinn.com/oktoberfest or by calling 775-783-6679.

"This is one of our events that the staff of chefs and cooks has as much fun as the guests," offered David Goodwin, director of food and beverage. "In the kitchens, we look forward to using authentic imported and domestic German ingredients and preparing them in traditional fashion. The service staff gets all caught up in the fun in the Shannon Ballroom and on the dance floor, and, if I'm lucky, I'll get to try one of those ice cold brews."

The Carson Valley Inn (www.cvinn.com) is located on U.S. Highway 395 in Minden, Nev., near the intersection of State Highway 88. The popular hotel, casino and RV resort built its reputation by providing fun and memorable experiences through the smiles and friendly service of its 450+ employees. Amenities include 152 hotel rooms, a 75-room motor lodge, 59 RV sites, a casino, sports book, poker room, three dining facilities, two lounges, nightly live cabaret entertainment for listening and dancing, 6,000+ square feet of convention and banquet space, the Chapel at the Inn, an indoor pool/spa/fitness facility, Spa at the Inn massage and facial therapy, a Home Treasures gift shop, a Shell gas station & convenience store and more. The Inn is 20 minutes from Lake Tahoe's south shore and 45 minutes south of Reno.

For more information on activities, recreation, history and shopping in the Carson Valley area, see www.visitcarsonvalley.org