Oktoberfest Frenzy 

Staff Writer: Olivia O’Connor 

It is fall time! Grab your best Bavarian outfit and pint glass and visit this nearest festival. What festival is this, you ask? It is Oktoberfest!  

Oktoberfest is celebrated worldwide and begins on the second to last Saturday in September and goes on until the first Sunday of October. The festival originated in Munich, Germany over 200 years ago when the Bavarian King, Ludwig I, married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. Their wedding was celebrated with numerous days of eating, drinking, and dancing.  

Muenchen.de states, “In 1811 the tradition begins: The Bavarian Agricultural Association decides to continue holding the festival- after all, a practical opportunity to showcase farming achievements.”  

As the years went by more and more activities were added to the festival. For example, merry-go-rounds, swings, and rides. In 1885 chicken roasteries open and 1 million and a half chickens are eaten in Wiesen every year. Sausages, roasted pork, bratwurst, and soft pretzels are also popular food choices during Oktoberfest and usually served in tents in the street.  

Many people also choose to dress up when they go to Oktoberfest in their local towns. Traditionally women wear dirndls, a type of dress, and men wear lederhosen, short or knee-length leather breeches. However, you can go to Oktoberfest in any clothes you want. It will be cold, so I do recommend the traditional sweatpants and sweatshirt.  

Nowadays there are many more fun activities that Oktoberfest offers. Many towns have Ferris wheels that have amazing views, roller coasters, and even European history trivia! If those seem too scary (or boring) then dancing is a great alternative. You can dance to traditional German music or a classic, the Chicken Dance. There are also many dances you can learn like the Schuhplattler. There are more than 150 Schuhplatter dances!  

Emma O’Connor, an eighth grader at Woodstock Middle School, says, “Oktoberfest is the best! I love sitting outside in the cool air watching the other kids dance. I also enjoyed eating the pretzels and listening to the music.” Avery Cauwels, a sophomore at Woodstock High School says, “I have been to many Oktoberfest parades, and they were all amazing. My favorite part was riding the Ferris wheel and dancing. I recommend wearing warm, comfortable clothes because it was chilly when I went.” Oktoberfest is the best for a night out in the town to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of this festival frenzy.  

Oktoberfest parades and festivals are held all over the world, small cities, big cities, you name it! The only thing you have to do is search for the one nearest you and plan a day to go. You won’t regret it. The music, food, rides, and dancing are all so unique and fun and by buying food and souvenirs you are supporting your local businesses. Fall is a time to celebrate the changing seasons and going to Oktoberfest is one of the best ways to celebrate that!