Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Cincinnati, Ohio

If you have never been to an Octoberfest, you are missing one great celebrations. The first Oktoberfest was held in Bavaria in 1813 to celebrate the marriage of Price Ludwig and it has been going on world wide almost continuously ( with time off for wars) ever since. It became popular in the United States especially after World War Two as German Americans made an effort to reconcile the mistrust still around by inviting the country to join in the celebration, and I for on am glad they did I have had many a good time at an Oktoberfest, celebrating the beginning of the fall season.

The City of Cincinnati will put out the red carpet this year on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Opening Ceremony Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006, 10:30 a.m. This has been a yearly even in Cincinnati since 1976 and it is bigger and better each year.

To give you a little idea of just how big, in 1994 they made the Guinness Book of World Records for having the world’s largest Chicken Dance. Would you believe there were 48,000 participants? And that was 12 years ago. Can you imagine how many they may be able to get this year? Maybe you can be one of them. After all they are expecting 500,000 visitors this Oktoberfest is officially recognized as the largest Oktoberfest in North America’ That sure adds up to a lot of wurst and beer.

If course, they did not stop with the Chicken Dance. In 1998 they set t the record for the world’s largest Kazoo Band. This was led by the late Al Hirt, often considered the greatest New Orleans Jazz Trumpeter of all time he led 25,000 kazoo players in performing “When the Saints Go marching In” But it did not stop there, If there is anyone who could top Al Hirt, it would be
Weird Al Yankovic. And he did it the following year by leading 30,000 kazoo players in a rousing rendition of the Chicken Dance and Beer Barrel Polka. Oh my. In 2002, the Kazoo band was led by Davy Jones of The Monkees in playing “Daydream Believer”. Only heaven, and maybe the organizers, knows what will happen this year.

Two things you have to bring to Oktoberfest are an appetite and a thirst, the bigger the better. This year there will be no less than 32 vendors serving such things as Cheese Cake, Strudel, Octoberfest Chicken, Bratwurst & Mettwurst, Sauerkraut Balls, Bier Wurst, Corn on the Cob, Potato Pancakes and Funnel Cakes. This is just a small taste of what awaits you, in addition to beer, beer and more beer. And of course soft drinks. And of course entertainment. Bands and dancing in multiple venues. What more can you ask for than good food and good entertainment to make the day perfect?

AHHHH Yes the Chicken Dance. Saturday, September 16, 2006 1-1:45 p.m The Grand Marshal, Chad Johnson, will lead the dance this year. Chad Johnson is the Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro wide-out. Wouldn’t you like to tell everyone you did the Chicken Dance with him? Back in 1994, it was led by the Crown Prince of Bavaria If you are not familiar with the Chicken Dance, you can listen to the music here: http://www.oktoberfest-zinzinnati.com/chickendance.asp

If you want to see what went on in previous years, take a peek at this page.http://www.oktoberfest-zinzinnati.com/photos.asp

Directions to Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati
http://www.oktoberfest-zinzinnati.com/directions.asp

I hope you agree that this is one super celebration and well worth your time. If you live in Cincinnati, you know where to go. It is best to take public transportation Parking is very limited. If you are planing to visit, then make this a part of your visit. It will be an event you will never forget. One that you will never want to forget. Bring the can corder. You never know who or what you will get a picture of.

One Oktoberfest is not enough for Cincinnati. After visiting the first one, take a break and end the Oktoberfest season at the Donauschwaben Oktoberfest It will be held at The Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society, 4290 Dry Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH 45252 on the first weekend of October each year.

Bring a big appetite for this one. You will get to choose from brats, metts, hot dogs, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, goulash with Sp�¤tzle and boiled potatoes, green beans with ham, suckling pig or chicken with mashed potatoes, and homemade Schwaben sausage with potato salad, as well as desserts such as home-baked tortes and pastries, pretzels, and gingerbread men. Imported beers , wines, and other drinks

There will be entertainment all three days with groups from Austria and Germany as well as the United States, There will be special games for the children also, so be sure to bring them along.

Cincinnati is a beautiful city. Centrally located, with many fine hotels, restaurants and many things to do and see. If you cannot make the Oktoberfest this year, make yourpalns to attend next years versions. It will be a blast.