Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Oktoberfest 2008

It's a new way to enjoy that most classic of German festivals, Oktoberfest.

For decades, it's been held on the grounds of German Park, on Indy's southside. But this year it's moving north to the Indiana State Fairgrounds for two weekends.

And, there's a new way to get there: on the train! For all five days of the festival, you can ride the FairTrain from Fishers to the Oktoberfest.

Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, Saturday, Sunday (29, 30 and 31 August) and 5, 6 September. Tickets for Oktoberfest are $6 (children 10 and younger are free).

Produced by the German-American Klub of Indianapolis, Oktoberfest features authentic, traditional German cuisine like frikadellen (German hamburgers), bratwurst, knachwurst, sauerkraut and German-style potato salad.

In addition, a wide variety of German and domestic beers will be available in the German Bier and Wein Garten. Visitors can also enjoy live music, dancing, carnival rides and games.

The tradition of Oktoberfest dates back to the early 1800s when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Theresa Charlotte Louise of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The city of Munich celebrated for days in grand style.

Indianapolis’ Oktoberfest is the largest such celebration in the state attracting 15,000 people annually.

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