Oktoberfest is a German tradition
that dates back to 1810 to celebrate the October 12th marriage of Bavarian
Crown Prince Ludwig to the Saxon-Hildburghausen Princess Therese. It was such a
hit with the Germans that it became an annual anniversary celebration.
that dates back to 1810 to celebrate the October 12th marriage of Bavarian
Crown Prince Ludwig to the Saxon-Hildburghausen Princess Therese. It was such a
hit with the Germans that it became an annual anniversary celebration.
Originally it began as a horse race, then
slowly grew. An agricultural show was
added during the second year and, in 1818, a carousel and two swings were set
up for the revelers. Although the
festivities were few, people were entertained by tree climbing competitions,
wheel barrow and sack races, mush eating contests, barrel rolling races, and
goose chases. By 1870s, mechanical rides were an expanding feature of the
festival and in 1908, the festival boasted Germany’s first roller coaster. When
the city began allowing beer on the fairgrounds, makeshift beer stands began
cropping up, and their number increased steadily until they were eventually
replaced by beer halls in 1896. The beer halls, like the beer tents of today,
were sponsored by the local breweries.
slowly grew. An agricultural show was
added during the second year and, in 1818, a carousel and two swings were set
up for the revelers. Although the
festivities were few, people were entertained by tree climbing competitions,
wheel barrow and sack races, mush eating contests, barrel rolling races, and
goose chases. By 1870s, mechanical rides were an expanding feature of the
festival and in 1908, the festival boasted Germany’s first roller coaster. When
the city began allowing beer on the fairgrounds, makeshift beer stands began
cropping up, and their number increased steadily until they were eventually
replaced by beer halls in 1896. The beer halls, like the beer tents of today,
were sponsored by the local breweries.
Traditionally, Oktoberfest is celebrated for16 days in Germany, with the last day being the first Sunday in October. Here in Missouri, we celebrate for the first
four October weekends! In Hermann we may
not have horse races and rollercoasters, but it does have smooth beer,
authentic German bratwurst, and a ton of fun!
Whether you’re looking to spend your day drinking in the bier garden or
riding the trolley to the local wineries, Oktoberfest has something for
everybody. At the end of the day come
back here to Hermann Hill Vineyard Inn & Spa, or somewhere more secluded
such as the Riverbluff Cottages, and rest up for the next day of fun and
friends. What are you waiting for? Make a reservation today! 573-486-4455
Peggy and Terry Hammer
Owners & Innkeepers
Hermann Hill Vineyard and Inn
