By: Kelsey Murray –
Oktoberfest is a festival celebrated all over the world. It is a 16 to 18 day beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany. It is the worlds largest fair pulling in over 5 million people each year. It is an important aspect of Bavarian culture, being celebrated since 1810.
Media Credit: MCT Campus
It began with King Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese on October 12, 1810. The people of Munich were invited to marriage festivities on the fields in front of the city gates. Each year a twelve gun salute and the tapping of the first keg commences at 12:00 by the Munich Mayor with the cry “O’ zapft is!” (Translation: It’s tapped). The mayor gives the first beer to the present President of the State of Bavaria.
For those people who are unable to go to Germany for the festivities, Newport has a far more local answer. Newport’s’ International Yachting Center is holding its very own International Oktoberfest.
When you first think of Oktoberfest you may just think of beer, but that’s not all there is and Salve students have taken notice.
“I have not been there but I have always wanted to go,” said Brandon Ruggiero, a senior marketing major. “I know people who have been there that said it is something you must do before you die and said how much fun it is.”
While many college students go for the International Biergarten (beer garden) others enjoy the crowds it brings about, “This is my first time going but I’m so excited,” said Christina Farrington, a senior marketing major. “Its a great way to get more tourists to come into Newport at the start of the low season and help local businesses.”
The three-day event starts on Saturday October 8th. Everyday it begins at 12pm and ends at 9pm, 5pm on Monday. The festival will include Austro- German cuisine such as “schnitzels” and “giggles”. It is set to show boisterous performances from bands, dance troupes and yodelers. There will be two stages built and filled with performers such as Spitzel, The Alex Meixner Band, Die Schlauberger, Jimmy Sturr Orchestra and the Alpenblumen dancers. There will also be a section for families set with crafts and activities for kids of all ages.
Nick Patti, a junior American Studies and History major, finds the German culture interesting. “I think the beer garden and the German bands are my favorite part of it. It brings a different part of culture to Newport that you don’t normally see,” said Patti. “There’s this whole perception that Newport is wicked Irish, but it’s nice to see the German side come out.”
Admission is Saturday or Sunday $20.00 and Monday $12.00. Children under 12 years old are admitted free with an adult. You can also purchase a 3-day pass for $40.00 per person.
