Local Events: Oktoberfest 2009 in Eastern Pennsylvania

Oktoberfest is named after the massive and world-famous 16-day German festival still held in Munich each year, from late September to early October. The origins of the festival itself go all the way back to October 18, 1810, as a wedding celebration for King Ludwig I, but even today it remains one of the largest national German festivals, as well as one of the most extravagant showcases for German beers worldwide (Wikipedia). In 2009, nearly 200 years after the German festival's birth, the party is still going stronger than ever, as Oktoberfest-themed local events have become a mainstay of seasonal fall social calendars in different cultures all over the world. And nowhere is the true spirit of Oktoberfest still more alive than in Pennsylvania, where a mixture of heavy traditional German heritage and undying devotion to preserving cultural and historical legacies have made the local events celebrating this time-honored festival a truly unforgettable experience.

For residents of the greater Philadelphia area, drop by this Labor Day for Cannstatter's celebration of its 137^th "Volksfest Weekend," which boasts huge offerings of totally authentic and unforgettable German foods, beers, wines, clothes, arts & crafts, and even performers, with actual German bands and dance groups featured on all three days of the event. Last year was a big hit, and 2009 is shaping up to be just as good - if not better - for these lederhosen-loving German culture fanatics, so don't miss out on a truly fun and educational experience. Their site: http://www.cvvphilly.com/fest.html

Everyone living a bit further west might want to check out Mifflinburg's also very traditional and proud Oktoberfest offerings, or as it's being advertised this year, the 2009 "Outdoor German Garden Polka Party Extraordinaire," which promises all the delicious and gut-splitting German foods and beers your heart could desire in a highly energetic and upbeat atmosphere, complete with, you guessed it - lots and lots of live Polka music. Come dressed in lederhosen or traditional German costumes and get a $1 discount on wristbands and mugs. Visit them on the web at: http://oktoberfest.mifflinburgpa.com/

For those wanting to celebrate this year's Oktoberfest with the kids, Doylestown Central Park off of Wells Road hosts an 'award-winning' and non-alcoholic version of the German festival, which, instead of the usual fair of copious German beers, offers a wide array of family-friendly entertainments, from carnival-type rides and games to stage shows including favorite local jug bands and magicians. Last year's Doylestown Oktoberfest was held from Friday, October 3^rd to Sunday, October 5^th , so keep an eye on their website for upcoming dates. This one is always a great local event and definitely a memorable spectacle, and 2009 promises to be no different. Official site: http://www.oktoberfestpa.org/