Oktoberfest in Munich and in Cincinnati
Berlin — Munich’s mayor has tapped the first keg, opening this year’s annual Oktoberfest in southern Germany, where millions of guest from around the globe are expected to clink mugs of frothy beer in celebration of 200 years of the world renown festival.
Mayor Christian Ude used two swift taps of his hammer to open the first keg Saturday and declare: “O’zapft is,” or “It’s tapped,” signaling the opening of the beer festival that runs for the next 17 days.
This year’s Oktoberfest marks 200 years since it was first held to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria.
- Oktoberfest.
Cincinatti Oh – “This is a great problem to have,” said Chris Kemper with the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. “We have a great weekend of events in downtown with the Bengals game and a full-slate of events at Oktoberfest.
Can you ever have too many people in downtown Cincinnati? No, the Chamber said, when there’s great football and the second biggest party in the world!
This is the first time they’ve ever done this in the Oktoberfest 35-year history. They offered folks a sneak peek on Friday. There is lots of German food, German beer and of course, German music.
Duluth, Minn. – Oktoberfest has made its way to Duluth for the first time.
Mayor Don Ness took the stage to jump-start the festival singing a song. Of course, there are plenty of Oktoberfest beers from Fitger’s and Summit served in special glasses. There are also games such as a keg throwing and a boot drinking contest. German food like bratwurst, sauerkraut and pretzels are available.
Bayfront park joins other places all over the world celebrating Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest continues from noon until 9 pm at Bayfront Park through Sunday.