While this year’s Oktoberfest has already come and gone, there are still gatherings ringing in the festivities all over the globe. An example of this is Proctoberfest, which is an annual event that’s put on by Proclamation Ale Company at their brewery located on 298 Kilvert St. in Warwick. The fourth edition of this extravaganza is taking place on Oct. 27 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. and there’s going to be a lot of fun to be had. A couple musical acts will perform live along with a special menu featuring flavorful beers and scrumptious food. There’s going to be competitions in both stein holding and keg rolling and also a lederhosen costume contest.

The trademark beer of the event is Guggenmusik, which is a Märzen that takes its name from a tradition that coalesces with fall’s transition into winter. This particular brew is being made in collaboration with the illustrious intergalactic improv performance group Big Nazo, which is headquartered in Providence.

“Our annual Oktoberfest-style beer collaboration with Big Nazo is called Guggenmusik, which is named after a tradition of parades of people in costume playing loud and strange music to frighten away the spirits of winter,” Proclamation owner & creative director Lori Witham says. “Once again, we will celebrate this beer with our fourth annual Proctoberfest this Sunday. Big Nazo and Providence Drum Troupe will perform as they only know how, and our brewer, Bruce Hutchings, will display his bagpipe skills. Belly Busters will be creating an Oktoberfest menu for the day that includes soft pretzels, brats, and schnitzel. We will also have local vendors selling snacks and gifts, come get weird with us!”

“Normally I play solemn events, vigils, funerals with the occasional wedding but at Proctoberfest, I’ll be playing festive, traditional and non traditional tunes for the crowds near and far!”, Hutchings adds. “You may ask how the bagpipes relate to a German inspired event, but ‘Guggenmusik’ refers to a group of people playing loud music, and if you’ve ever been at a parade you have an idea on how loud the bagpipes are! It’s going to be a fun, festive and weird afternoon so it’ll be worth the visit to experience it all. Last year, I had the opportunity to ‘jam’ with Big Nazo and the Providence Drum Troupe, so we shall see if we make the magic happen again!”

The upcoming gig for the Providence Drum Troupe is one of seven shows for the group ahead of a gala fundraiser they’re having on Nov. 9 at their clubhouse located on 517 Atwells Ave. in their home city. They’re very excited to be bringing a party atmosphere to Proctoberfest and collaborating with Big Nazo in vibrant fashion.

“The Providence Drum Troupe is coming off a rather robust summer performance schedule and always looks forward to returning to one of our original sponsors, the Proclamation Ale Company!,” founder and performer David Lee Black exclaims. “We are combining creative forces for the greater good with Big Nazo again for this special Proctoberfest! Performing in Oktoberfest attire, the Providence Drum Troupe and Big Nazo will create a funky interactive dance party for the citizens of Earth and beyond at Proclamation!”

For more info on Proctoberfest, log onto Proclamation Ale Company’s website at www.proclamationaleco.com.