Oktoberfest 2008

Living in Germany - a dream come true! Getting married in Germany - a fairy tale experience! Experiencing Oktoberfest in Munich...priceless! That has been just part of my exciting journey in life. In 1978, I moved to Germany to work for the Corps of Engineers as an accountant; then I met my husband in 1979 and we married in 1980 in Frankfurt, Germany. Throughout that period, I was fortunate to experience what Oktoberfest meant to the locals and to tourists.

The last time I was at Oktoberfest was in 2005. I was really surprised how there appeared to be a lot more Americans or other foreigners at Oktoberfest than ever before. Many locals also prefer to stay away from the area and celebrate in their favorite beer gardens. Yet, the younger Germans enjoy the carnival experience along with the socializing (that's another word for drinking beer).

I have really seen the difference in how Oktoberfest has changed from this period. One big difference over the years is the "chicken dance". I don't know if that is something the Germans got from American Oktoberfests over the years, but we didn't have that back in the 70's. And even American songs are played more now in Munich's Oktoberfest. Nevertheless, it makes no difference; because whenever you are at an authentic Oktoberfest, you can be assured that you will have enjoyed real "Gemutlichkeit" (translation from German means "hospitality.")

Now, the story of Oktoberfest started with the marriage of Prince (later King) Ludwig I and Princess Therese Saxony-Hildburghausen, October 10, 1810. In fact, the area where Oktoberfest is celebrated is named after her - Theresienwiese - also known as " d' Wiesn" for short. There was a horse race to celebrate the occasion. The "party" was so popular that it became a German tradition; however, from that period there were interruptions due to war and disease. It was originally celebrated in October, but later was moved to September because of better weather.

Oktoberfest in Munich is not all about drinking, although some adults may differ on that. Since 1816, carnival rides and booths were included in the celebration. Actually the large beer tents we have there today didn't begin until 1896.

In Munich it is celebrated the 3rd weekend in September with the tapping of the keg of beer and a parade. It lasts for 3 weekends. This year Oktoberfest in Munich is September 20th till October 5th.

If you can't go to Munich to enjoy Oktoberfest then check your own city to see if they are having one. Here is a list of just some Oktoberfests across the United States I have found.

Fredericksburg, TX - Oct 3rd -5th

Addison, TX - Sept 18th - 21st

Huntington Beach, CA Sept 7 - Oct 26

Seattle,Wa - Sept 19th

Lancaster, Cal - Oct 18th-19th

Big Bear Lake, Cal - Sept 13th - Oct 25th

Antioch, Ill. - Oct. 5th

Long Grove, Ill. - Oct. 18th - 19th

Fox Lake, Ill. - Oct. 4th

Vernon Hills, Ill. - Oct 4th

Chicago, Ill. - Sept. 26th- 28th

Berwyn, Ill. - Sept. 19th- 20th

Mt. Angel, Ore. - Sept 12th -14th

Oktoberfest, New Ulm, MN Oct. 3rd-4th and 10th -11th

Oktoberfest - Cincinnati, Oh - Sept 18th - 21st

Tulsa, Ok. - Oct 16th - 19th

Milwaukee, Wis. - Sept - after Labor Day

La Crosse, Wis. - Sept 26th -Oct 4th

Grand Rapids, Mi. - Sept 26th - 27th

Anaheim, Ca. - Sept 19th - Oct 26th

San Francisco, Ca. - Oct 11th - 12th

Almeda, Ca. - Sept 6th - 7th

Torrence, Ca. - Sept 12- Oct 19th

Manhattan, NY - Oct - various Saturdays & Sundays

Watkins Glen, NY - Sept 23rd - 27th

Sayville, NY - Sept 20th

Oktoberfest- Helen, Ga. - Sept 11th - November 2nd (This one is a must to see because the town is looks like an authentic German city. It is also the longest running fest in the world and is open from Sept-Nov.)

Casselberry, Fl (outside of Orlando) - Oct. 4th (my favorite in the Orlando area)

Beverly Hill, Florida - Sept 27th

Celebration, Fl - Oct 10th -11th

Sarasota, Fl - mid October

Cape Coral, Fl - Oct 17th - 19th and Oct 24th - 26th

Palm Beach, Fl - Oct 10-12th and Oct 17th - 19th

Panama City Beach, Fl - Oct 3rd - 4th

Summerland Keys, Fl - Oct 23rd - Oct 26th

Silver Springs, Fl - Oct 4th

Panama City, Fl - Oct 3rd - 4th