Oktoberfest

[hoping2retire35]

Plans anyone?

In discussion right now with wife to buy a tarp, paint it and hang between trees or light posts. This will be the 'feast hall'.

We plan on going to a small town in few weeks where there is an actual celebration but this should do for now.

It has been a slow year so I don't have as much homebrew stored up.

[talltexan]

You sound awesome! How far from Charlotte are you? I haven't seen much Oktoberfest stuff here compared to where I grew up near the German country in Central Texas.

[hoping2retire35]

Two hours. West of Greenville by ~30 min.

I am guessing you grew up going to a lot of Oktoberfests? I am trying to think of some other things to add to the feast hall, I think I could build a little stage, say 8x8, and it would store up on its side pretty easy.

[vern]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPbFE731Y0c

[talltexan]

Two hours. West of Greenville by ~30 min.

I am guessing you grew up going to a lot of Oktoberfests? I am trying to think of some other things to add to the feast hall, I think I could build a little stage, say 8x8, and it would store up on its side pretty easy.

Would that 8x8 stage permit a little bit of polka-activity? because I do enjoy a good polka!

[LifeHappens]

I just learned our local Oktoberfest features weiner dog races, and we have 1/2 off admission coupons.

Sold.

[hoping2retire35]

We are a-go.

[Rosy]

Well, if a Dirndl blouse and dangling earrings with pretzels count - I'm ready.
We already have our half off the entry price coupon.
Can't wait to get a pitcher of fresh Spaten Oktoberfest beer and some rather good German food at the local German-American Club. Lots of polka and waltzes to dance to - plus the Beer Stein Contest and a bit of Schuhplattler and other Bavarian Dance Performances.

I almost bought a Dirndl while I was in Germany, but I just can't justify $300 for a nice one. I'm just not "that" German anymore:).

[hoping2retire35]

Things are going well so far. I've got everyone at work to agree to a departmental potluck Oktoberfest day. Brats, pretzels, and schnitzel! Yum.

Several options for this weekend in the region or just at our new beer tent.

Can't really see the "stage" for now it is just  a crate with one of those musical stools on it, oh, and the kid toys in the background.

Really start to question your sanity when you make some this big, spend ~$200 and a days labor on something that could be completely useless because you like to wear a silly hat with pins and dance to music no one has written new material for in half a century. More work to be done this weekend.

[hoping2retire35]

Well, if a Dirndl blouse and dangling earrings with pretzels count - I'm ready.
We already have our half off the entry price coupon.
Can't wait to get a pitcher of fresh Spaten Oktoberfest beer and some rather good German food at the local German-American Club. Lots of polka and waltzes to dance to - plus the Beer Stein Contest and a bit of Schuhplattler and other Bavarian Dance Performances.

I almost bought a Dirndl while I was in Germany, but I just can't justify $300 for a nice one. I'm just not "that" German anymore:).

I have lost some weight recently and really didn't want to purchase a new pair of lederhosen. I was able to tighten the suspender straps, though it is tight 'in the thighs' now. Ugh. The troubles of Oktoberfesters.

I have one Spaten Ok. in the fridge. I would put it in the top three best Oktoberfest style beers. A friend and myself went to our local beer store and cleaned them out of Yuengling Golden Pilsners; $0.99 for 16oz. It is the only American Pilsner that I think actually taste like pilsner, the others taste like lager versions of pale ales, usually to much hops.

[dcheesi]

I love Oktoberfest! Unfortunately, due to health issues I'm not able fully partake this year :(

[hoping2retire35]

I love Oktoberfest! Unfortunately, due to health issues I'm not able fully partake this year :(

Gluten?
A pretty good variety are available in gluten free beers, and gluten beers are very easy to make, if you care to go that route.

[Cromacster]

ahhh Oktoberfest, best time of the year for beer.  I wish I could buy märzen beer all year long, alas I just have to stock up now.

I was just in Germany but missed Oktoberfest celebrations by a week, but plenty of märzen was drank!

[hoping2retire35]

Ah! How lucky!

I actually don't think I would like Munich that much. It would be fun for an hour or half day, but watching a bunch of 25yo drunk dudes would get old. I would probably want to find some small town and celebrate with some locals. So long as I knew a few words; Bier, is that how you say it?

[Cromacster]

I debated going to Munich for the Oktoberfest, but the rates for staying there were ridiculous.  Coworkers told me that going to the smaller town festivals were better anyway.  I ended up not staying in Germany and went to Holland.

and yes, Bier is Beer!  But for the life of me I could not pronounce märzen properly and most servers had to clarify what I was trying to order.

[hoping2retire35]

In a few hours I'll be in the little Bavarain made up town for the weekend, pumped!

Made 4qts of saurkrat last week that should be ready in time for our work lunch. If you have never tried it is super easy to make and usually has a sweeter taste. Chop up a cabbage, put in a bowl mixed with salt, let it sit for 20 mins then stuff into jars, cover and let sit for two weeks. Some other details so check out an actual recipe before you do it but it is about that easy.

Was trying to find some other accessory to my get-up and discovered Charivari chains. I have some deer teeth, Deutschmarks from when I was 12!, and a giant sharks tooth my wife found this summer.

[Parton]

Last year, my friends and I went to Germany to the festival, the emotions are beyond words. There was a lot of beer and a lot of fun, great festive programs.