Article: Fire doesn't dampen Oktoberfest in Big Bear Lake

The Butler II wildfire may have charred the forested terrain northwest of Big Bear Lake, but it did not blacken the spirits of most Big Bear Valley residents.

While fire crews mop up, it's business as usual for high country locals.

"You deal with Mother Nature the best you can, and then you move on," said Monica Marini, director of Big Bear Lake's annual Oktoberfest celebration.

The fire broke out in the early afternoon of Sept. 14, the day before opening weekend of the 37th annual Oktoberfest.

"Opening weekend is usually good but not huge," Marini said. "We open early to get the staff trained, dialed up and ready to go for the bigger October weekends."

Marini estimates that attendance ...

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