Sunday, August 24, 2008

OktoberFest

Ever wonder why Oktoberfest is celebrated? For me it is a sort of homecoming, not in the sence that I left anywhere and am returning but rather a reconnecting of my soul and my herritage. It stirs in me as the climates changes and the fall settles in. Truly a celebration...

Back in the year 1810, in Southern Germany, in the month of October, local Farmers and Townspeople were working hard to finish the Fall Harvest and getting ready for the coming winter. Simultaneously the royal family was preparing for Prince Ludwig the 1st to marry Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildurghausen. The date was to be October 12th and all of Bavaria was excited to attend. They had all been working so hard with the harvest that they saw this event as the last "hurray" before the long cold days of winter, sort of their last chance to get out...

The wedding was held in the magnificent weise (meadow) just out side the gates of Munich. It was the perfect day; great weather and about 40,000 guests in attendance.... AND THE RECEPTION... The reception that followed was one of the biggest parties in history! The people laughed, danced, drank and consumed massive amounts of beer and food. It was a party fit for royalty.... and to show his gratitude, Prince Ludwig I planned a special surprise for all his guests; he ended the night with an impromptu horse race across the great meadow. When the towns people heard this they all started chanting ziche (zicca), zache (zacca), - hoy, hoy, hoy. It was at this celebration that the Townspeople voted to re-name the weise after Prince Ludwig's bride as a way of welcoming her to their town. To this day that meadow bears the name of "Theresieweise" (Thereses meadow).

The following fall the Townspeople began to reminisce about the great party. They decided to honor their prince by celebrating his anniversary. King Maximillian agreed, but this party would have to be bigger and better and longer than the original. It became and annual celebration (except during war times ) that continues on today.... Oktoberfest runs for about 16 days in Munich ending the first weekend in October and here in the States is celebrated about six weeks (from approx Sept 13th thru Oct. 26th)... now that's a party!

This year (2010) we celebrate 200 years of Oktoberfesting.... why not make this your year to gather with friends, great food and really celebrate not only the coming of the seasons but also each other.... check out our menu and catering items... we have a large selection of fine sausages, home-made sauerkraut and red cabbage, potato salads and oh yes... 50 GERMAN beers... all bottled and ready for consumption....now that's a party! ( and a very affordable one at that!!)