The only thing louder than the clinking steins and the melodic hum of the accordion at Squaw Valley USA’s annual Oktoberfest celebration Saturday was the joyous laughter as hundreds of beer drinkers, Bavarian dancers, and brat tossers — all smiling while roaming the village.

While enjoying a few liters of delicious brew was a focus for many thirsty festival goers, the festivities went way beyond mere swilling. Entertainment included highly competitive games such as a beer barrel rolling race, a brat toss, and an endurance stein holding contest where competitors had to outlast each other holding a 2 liter stein filled with water outstretched in each arm.

For those not enjoying the exquisite malted creations from Spaten and Sudwerks breweries, there were plenty of non-alcoholic opportunities to get in the spirit. Joe Smiell and his 20-piece Bavarian band had the sound of clarinets and tubas piping through the air to which the Almenrausch Schuhplatter and Alpentanzer Schuhplatter dance troops performed. After they invited the public on the dance floor for a rousing rendition of the chicken dance. And, of course, hungry folks of every age feasted on the bratwurst.

Proceeds from the highly successful event went to sponsor the Truckee Lacrosse program.