Let's do Snowbird's Oktoberfest
Thirty nine years ago, inspired by the towering mountains that reminded them of their homeland, two men costumed in leather lederhosen, came to Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort to play their accordions and sing in their native German tongue. Over the years, Oktoberfest has become the premier celebration of German food, music, dance and fun.
I love to go for the foot stomping "Oompa music" and to see the costumed couples dancing the polka. But everyone can get onto the dance floor and do their own version whether they know how to polka or not. And the street entertainers are fun too -- like this juggler who builds an enormous stack of blocks before he does tricks with them.
Oktoberfest continues Saturdays and Sundays through October 9 from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free. It's great for the whole family. As the weather cools down, be sure to take a jacket even if it's warm in the valley. Snowbird is about 10 miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Drive up for a delightful afternoon.
The Snowbird Event tent is the center of Oktoberfest. It's chock full of music, dancing and traditional German cuisine. Enjoy a bratwurst and sauerkraut and apfelstrudel and more yummy goodies.
On the plaza, kids enjoy face painting, caricature artist, inflatable rides, the world champion YO-YO MAN, a zany clown, music, balloons and more!
Vendors from around the region peddle their unique wares. Shop early for the holidays!
A brief history of Oktoberfest: The famed Oktoberfest began with a Royal Bavarian Wedding in 1810. To celebrate his autumn marriage, King Ludwig the first called for a state Fair in Munich. The festival was dedicated to the fall harvest, and of course beer-the region’s most famous product.
Tradesmen and merchants came from throughout Southern Germany to join in the merrymaking. They examined the crops, sang, danced, and sampled the first beer of the season.
The celebration was such a success that Ludwig issued a royal decree making every October inMunich a festival time. Oktoberfest has been held annually ever since and has grown into the largest of all German beer festivals.
Have you been to Snowbird's Oktoberfest this year?
