Good morning everyone!  Willkommen!

(Cheers)

It’s just great to be back here in Kitchener-Waterloo.  You guys really know how to throw a party!

(Cheers)

Now, all the politicians here can attest to this.  When you’re an elected official, you get to attend an awful lot of different cultural events and one thing I learned in politics is that festivals are like children – you’re not supposed to have a favourite.  But when you get a crowd like this and you get to tap a keg, I have to say, how can this not be one of the favourite things on the calendar?

(Cheers)

So when I saw a few days ago that I was coming back to celebrate here at Oktoberfest, I said, yes!  I’m going to get to hear the amazing bands again.  I’m going to get to hang out with Onkel Hans!  I’m going to get to tap the keg!

(Woohoo!)

And maybe this year they’ll let me wear lederhosen!

(Cheers)

Okay, next year I’m talking to my team. 

I know you are as keen as I am to start the party, so I will not keep you long.  I know how dangerous it is to stand between a thirsty crowd of Oktoberfesters and their beer, so I really want to say once again, as we celebrate this wonderful tradition, it’s fabulous to see the extraordinary range of ages, of backgrounds, of diversity, who come together to celebrate this amazing piece of Kitchener-Waterloo’s culture and history, but an amazing piece of Canada’s history.

Happy Oktoberfest everyone!  Willkommen!  Thank you.

(Wild cheers)