Many area residents and fans abroad will miss George Kash who entertained the community for 50 years.
A popular and charismatic long-time Mimico 50-year entertainer who was beloved in the community has passed away.
George Kash, popularly known as Mr. Oktoberfest, passed away on May 20. He was 84.
The self-described professional entertainer was a party icon in Ontario and beyond. He was the undisputed “Mr. Oktoberfest,” as leader of the oompah-pah band the Oktoberfest Express and standing MC of Toronto’s Festival of Beer.
His characters included Mr. Watermelon Head and Mr. Coffee Bean Head.
Mr. Oktoberfest was an entertainer, actor, auctioneer, town crier, beer lover and beloved Mimico resident for decades.
“George was my best friend, bandmate and beautiful soul,” recalled Leo Sullivan. “He touched the hearts of thousands in his 50-plus years in the entertainment world.”
Sullivan said Kash wore many hats and was well-known for playing Santa Claus in the annual downtown parade.
“He always left the people wanting more,” he said. “Love you my dear friend.”
Long-time Mimico resident Bob Hodge said Kash lived on Lake Shore Blvd. W., for many years and ‘was a real character.’
Hodge said the entertainer was always there for tree lightings and drop-in appearances locally.
The late George Kash with some of his colleagues at an Oktoberfest performance.
“He also had a couple of bands including The George Kash Experience and did music ranging from Oom Pa Pa to rock and roll,” he said.
I first saw Kash many years ago in a performance at Ontario Place where he performed for many years. In this show he was drinking beers while standing on his head.
Kash was arguably one of Toronto’s most widely known and versatile performers.
He employed his infamous interactive techniques, getting right into the audience and bringing people into his act in a way that would make any rock star envious. He also performs his trademark move – drinking two beers while standing on his head.
His resume included actor, town crier, disc jockey, auctioneer, clown and product promoter, to name just a few of the hats he wore.
Beloved George Kash lived on Lake Shore Blvd. W. and was king of the Oktoberfest circuit where he was much loved.
“I’m a professional entertainer, that’s what I do,” he says with his characteristic, no-nonsense swagger. “It’s unbelievable you can make a living this way. I’m just all about a good time.”
Kash was loved for his trademark move of drinking two beers while standing on his head. He’s been performing this feat since 1978 when he first did it to put a few British upstarts in their place at the Edelweiss Beer Garden at Ontario Place.
Kash headed The Oktoberfest Express and emerged as Canada’s premier Oktoberfest performer and gained the title as the Undisputed Mr. Oktoberfest.
This Lord of the Lederhosen gained international acclaim far from South Etobicoke to countries as Australia, Fiji, Portugal, Morocco, and other hot Oktoberfest areas including Kitchener, Edmonton, Ontario Place and the Canadian National Exhibition.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.