Samuel Adams and surprise guests expected for Golden Keg tapping

Up to 20,000 people are expected to attend Friday morning’s tapping of the Golden Keg. Oktoberfest Co-President James Brennan said he can not believe how much the ceremony has grown from its small start in the 90s.

“It is almost like a miniature holiday within the city here,” Brennan said. “There are people who try to plan time off from work well in advance. It has grown to become one of the notable, signature events that even around the country we get some attention for it.”

The brew inside this year’s Golden Keg is celebrating a special birthday. Samuel Adams’ Oktoberfest is raising a glass to 30 years. Jennifer Glanville, a brewer with Samuel Adams, said they wanted to mark the year with one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the world.

“It is just really representative of the fall and awesome celebrations like you’re hosting,” Glanville said. “I’m really excited that everybody is going to be able to start out the celebration with a wonderful Oktoberfest from Samuel Adams.”

The tapping of the keg starts at 11:00 a.m., but those who want an official sip will have to arrive early.

“Once the keg is tapped we’ll pour a little in a cup for each person to try the beer,” Brennan said. “Usually I think we can get 300-400 people through that line, so quite a few people get to sample the beer out of the golden keg.”

Gates open at 9:00 a.m. In addition to the traditional singing of the German, Canadian, and American National Anthems, Brennan said there are some surprised guests planned for the event.