| Prost! | | | | in advance by Munich corporations for their |
| Blatt that tuba, blare that trumpet | | | | employees. I was fortunate one year to know |
| Swing that tune, beat it! jump it! | | | | someone who had a spot for me and my wife at the |
| A German band can get your heart bumping, | | | | Hackerbrau table. We had a grand time 'schuttling' |
| Your fingers tapping, your two feet stomping. | | | | back and forth to songs my grandfather sang. |
| I know that song! My grandfather sang it! | | | | If you have heard that Oktoberfest beer is stronger, |
| In the German chorus where he rang it. | | | | you have not been lied to. The special beer is timed to |
| Play another one! Don't let them rest! | | | | perfection for the festival, resulting in a slightly darker |
| I'll meet you at the Octoberfest! | | | | color, rich in hops flavor, and topped by a fine-grained |
| At every carnival and festival all over the world, music | | | | head of foam. A one liter mug (mass) will put you into |
| touches that primeval place in our brains that lifts our | | | | a good mood for hours. As one strolls down the wide |
| spirits and binds us together. The original Octoberfest | | | | avenues, enticing aromas assault the senses. |
| was just a fancy wedding celebration for the King of | | | | Spit-roasted half chickens, broiled smelts-on-a-stick |
| Bavaria in 1810. Although the wedding date was set for | | | | (steckerl fish), and roasted honey almond treats are all |
| October 17th, the party starts in mid September and | | | | irresistible. |
| lasts through the beginning of October. A grand | | | | The main concourse is lined with quaint rides and |
| opening parade with decorated beer wagons pulled by | | | | interesting side shows. A house-sized barrel caught |
| pampered Clydesdale horses marches through Munich | | | | my eye that turned out to sell only fancy German |
| and lasts for hours. | | | | chocolate candies in every variation imaginable. Strings |
| For sheer size, the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany | | | | of four to eight strollers singing German songs dance |
| dwarfs every other emulator. Twelve tents house | | | | down the alley, sometimes apologizing for sweeping |
| over ten thousand merry makers each. Like giant | | | | visitors along with them, other times not. Police |
| redwood tree trunks, three massive poles soar to | | | | 'Kontrollers' keep a sharp eye out for rowdy behavior, |
| dizzying heights, sheltering three twenty piece Gerrman | | | | allowing some partying, but ejecting anyone who |
| bands. One tent features a giant ox roasting on a | | | | disturbs the peace. The original Octoberfest epitomizes |
| huge turning spit, keeping the chefs busy basting the | | | | the word 'Gemutlichkeit' and visitors the world over |
| ox with spices. Choice seats simulating local beer | | | | take away with them that warm, friendly feeling to |
| stubes line the sides. Tables are reserved for months | | | | spread around at home. |