by P. Payne

Created on: September 20, 2010

Across the United States, fall brings Oktoberfest, celebrating German heritage and traditions with food, beer, dancing and other activities.

The tradition that began in October 1810 with the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig 1 and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen is now celebrated throughout the world. For the royal wedding, citizens of Munich were invited to attend festivities to celebrate the event, which included horse races in the presence of the royal family to conclude the event. The activities were intended as a festival for all of Bavaria, according to the history of Oktoberfest (

http://www.ofest.com/history.html). The decision to repeat the horse races the following year began the Oktoberfest tradition.

Oktoberfest traditionally begins the third weekend of September and ends the first Sunday of October. However, many festivals today are held in the summer and fall, and some continue through the month of October.

The 1811 festival included the first agricultural show, with the intent of helping Bavarian agriculture. Although the horse races are no longer part of the German festival, the agricultural show continues every three years.

Over the years, activities to amuse participants were increased, beginning with the first carousel and two swings in 1818. Small beer stands were set up, replaced by beer tents and halls in 1896. A fun fair on the rest of the festival grounds was host to a range of carousels, which increased profoundly in the 1870's.

Munich’s Oktoberfest is the largest festival in the world today, and the 177th festival is currently underway, being celebrated this year from September 18 through October 3. Carousels, roller coasters and other activities are offered for visitors of all ages, including the Grand Entry of the Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, the Costume and Riflemen's Procession, and a concert of brass bands.

During its 200-year history, Oktoberfest has been interrupted only briefly by wars cholera epidemics.

According to http://german.about.com/library/blbraeuche_USokt.htm , the United States and Canada, because of their high percentages of population with German heritage, have a large number of Oktoberfest celebrations. Websites are available that list American festivals throughout the country, as well as Canadian festivals.

American festivals, for the most part, do not follow the original Oktoberfest schedule. From June to November, festivals can be found throughout the United States. Many September and October Oktoberfests are sponsored by a local German society or restaurant.

USA Today lists 10 great places to celebrate Oktoberfest (http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/10great/2010 -09-09-north-america-oktoberfest_N.htm), and many cities promote their celebrations on websites. Just do a search for Oktoberfest and you can find a celebration planned for a location close enough to attend.

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