The Oktoberfest tradition started in Germany circa 1810. However, German heritage is not a prerequisite for a good time at an Oktoberfest celebration. How many people who wear green on St. Patrick's Day are truly Irish?
It can be great fun to appreciate cultural diversity. And chances are excellent you can trace an ancestor to one of the German states. According to Wikpedia, citizens of the United States citing German ancestry make up the largest ancestry group in the country, approximately 17% of the population. For further information, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_American.
There are Oktoberfest celebrations in every city across the United States. Of course, there are a number of events from which to choose in Arizona:
- Arizona Center for Germans Cultures celebrates on Saturday October 13th at Margaret T. Hance Park. For details, visit http://ac4gc.org
- American Historical Society of Germans from Russia celebrates at Leisure World Rec. II Promenade in Mesa on October 20, 2007 from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm. For more information, send an email to AHSGR_sun@cox.net.
- Verde Canyon Railroad excursions offer Oktoberfest celebrations every weekend in October. For information, check out http://verdecanyonrr.com/VCR_PressReleases/PR_8-05amber.htm
So, enjoy some time rolling out the barrel, dancing to a polka, or just kicking back with bratwurst and sauerkraut. I know those are my plans for the next two weekends. Stay tuned for updates on my Oktoberfest adventures.
3 comments:
Ah Oktoberfest!!! A fresh draft stein of Spaten or Warsteiner, brewed to the 16th century purity laws. Even though I am now a vegetarian, I fell off the wagon for Oktoberfest this year. Knockwurst, bratwurst, sauerkraut (with ham hocks), and potatos!!!! But Oktoberfest is nothing without Oompa pa music. Okay, now I'm thirsty, hungry and jonesing for polka. Where's my lederhosen and Alpine hat?
Hey, just stopping by to say 'hey'. There, said it.
I'm really loving the blog, it's obvious you'll put a lot of time and effort into it. Can I assume, then, that you have German ancestry? I'm fascinated with German, truly and when I get the time I'll definitely sit down and read the whole thing.
Nice work.
Thanks for both of your comments. I have to admit, I did not realize how much I would enjoy expressing myself on a blog. I feel like it is my own personal column, magazine and a great extension for all of my writing. Now for the bratwurst.
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