I finally got into German Fan Fest earlier this week.  It was a rainy Tuesday night, the hockey game had just ended, and there was no line at all.  I still had to pay the $10 cover charge, but I made it in!  It was satisfying to accomplish a goal, but the German Fan Fest did not live up to expectations.  I’m glad I didn’t wait in line for the 2-4 hours quoted to me the past two weekends. The Köstritzer Schwarzbier was tasty, but not worth the $9 I paid for a plastic cup full.  The band was loud and the atmosphere was as good as you could expect for a tent covering plastic tables and chairs in a parking lot.  If I’d had a few (too many) and the party was in full swing, I could see myself having a lot of fun there.  I could also see myself having a lot of fun dancing with a street light.  Anyway, I won’t be trying to get in again this weekend.

This weekend I’m going to check out Gastown House, again.  Turns out I’ve been there a few times already and didn’t know it.  Gastown hasn’t seen the crowds or lines that have plagued the rest of the downtown core.  It’s true, I haven’t had much trouble getting into Cobre, Alibi Room, Irish Heather, or anywhere else in Gastown.  To get some attention on the quality food and drink available at reasonable prices, Gastown House was started.  It’s a clever ploy to get you into Gastown, but what do you have to lose by not waiting in huge lines?

An aside, I watched the Canada vs Russia game at Schanks Sports Grill in New Westminster.  It was packed out and the atmosphere was amazing, but guess where you sit when you don’t show up soon enough?

In a mini golf hole, that's where.

And here’s a few pictures of the inside of German Fan Fest:

Inside of German Fan Fest

More Inside German Fan Fest

Rachel still had fun

Cheers,

Chris