Oktoberfest-Zinnizati: A German-Heritage Celebration in Cincinnati
Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati begins with an opening ceremony that was modeled after the opening ceremonies in the original Oktoberfest in Munich. Beginning at Fountain Square German-American representatives, dressed in traditional attire, march down Fifth Street. They stop at each tent and tap the honorary keg. The tapping of the keg means that the tent is open. Before marching on the representatives hang a flag and seal at location. Now the fun can commence.
Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati is a celebration of German food, music, and beer. Southwest Ohio is deep in German heritage and local family pride is evident. If you have never sampled German food, you are in for a treat. The festival does last two days, so you may want to pace yourself. Vendors sell potato pancakes, metts, bratwurst, sausages, soft pretzels, sauerkrauts, roasted almonds, baklawa, strudels, pickles on a stick, and well the list is too long to continue. The festival is a cornucopia of foods. Vendors sell small and regular sized portions. Small portions may be the best bet if you intend on sampling a little bit of everything. Don’t forget to wash it all down with one of the many German and American beers featured throughout the festival.
Souvenirs can be purchased throughout the festival. Hats, t-shirts, and golf shirts are among the usual array. For an unusual souvenir look for the giant beer mugs and the Oktoberfest clock. The clock displays a variety of German beer logos and is a real keepsake. I suggest bringing a camera or video recorder. The best souvenir might be a photo of your companions shaking their groove thing German style.
In 1994 Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati hosted the worlds largest chicken dance. Now, everyone knows what a polka sounds like, but that is not what makes the chicken dance German. The chicken dance actually originated as a German heritage song. Werner Thomas composed it in Switzerland in 1920. While Europeans have looked the other way, Americans have definitely embraced this unique song. Even the most serious festival-goer will have trouble resisting the chicken dance after he has drunk a few Warsteiners.
In 1999 Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati hosted the largest kazoo band. Yes kazoo band! 30,000 kazooers, (if there is such a word), played under the direction of Weird Al Yankovitc. This is definitely a festival where it is ok to let your hair down and be yourself! All manner of talent can be appreciated with the help of a few beverages from the bier garten.
Oktoberfest-Ziniznnati boasts five main tents each hosting events throughout the festival. Fountain Square Stage, Spaten/Fraziskaner Fets Tent, Warsteiner Bier Garten, Pabst Blue Ribbon Bier Garten, and the Christian Moerlein Fest tent each offer a variety of German music and dancing. Traditional German bands, Orchestras, and folk bands are featured. Polka music abounds here. Bands perform traditional German dances and the crowd eagerly joins in. The heat of summer has passed and crowds are easy going, full of good beer and food. It is not unusual to see people of all ages, from the smallest child to the oldest grandparent, joining in the dancing. This is definitely a family affair. Even those who don’t know the steps can’t resist a quick jump or foot tapping. This is a great place to people watch.
The week leading up to Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati is just as entertaining as the actual festival. Known as the Gemuetlichkeit Games, these events begin a week before the festival. Think of these games as the opening act to the headliner. The games are hosted downtown at Fountain Square. The most crowd-pleasing game is the Beer Stein Race. Contestants are handed as many beers steins as they can hold in two hands, full of beer of course. Next they run across Fountain Square. The contestant with the most beer remaining in his or her steins wins! Who wouldn’t love a game like that? Other games include Hammering Nails and the Beer Barrel Roll, both easily explained by their titles. German music and dancing in the background creates a frenzy of excitement in the community, letting everyone know Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati is here again!
