The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing and that can only mean one thing - it's Oktoberfest time! Oktoberfest, for those of you living in a cave, is the annual celebration of all things German - bratwurst, beer, chicken dancing, and wiener dogs.
Tulsa Oktoberfest began in 1978 as a small festival to help raise a little money for River Parks. 34 years and close to a million dollars later, the festival is thriving and is now recognized as one of the top 10 Oktoberfests in the US and, according to NBC Today, the best one outside of Munich. Not too shabby, Tulsa!
And here's a little tidbit of information I bet you didn't know - the Chicken Dance (originally called the Duck Dance) was introduced to the United States in 1981 during the 3rd annual Tulsa Oktoberfest! Rumor has it that a German band wanted to demonstrate the dance in costume but no duck costumes were available. The only thing the organizers were able to scrounge up was a chicken costume. And the rest, as they say - is history!
The festival officially kicked off on Thursday, October 15th at 5:30pm (Wednesday evening is Corporate Night) with a keg tapping ceremony. Other events this year included the Lederhosen Run, the Cornhole Competition, the McNellies Bier Barrel Race, the Strong Stein competition and last, but in no way least, the 5th Annual Running of the Wieners. I was lucky enough to witness the Running of the Wieners and I can sum it up in one word - pandemonium! I have never seen anything so ridiculously funny in my entire life. Along with all the adult attractions and activities, Oktoberfest also offers a kids tent and carnival rides. So it really is an event the whole family can participate in. The children's tent featured face painting, balloons, games, and all kinds of kid-friendly things to do.
I didn't make it to Oktoberfest until Sunday afternoon but word on the street is that Saturday night's attendance set a new record! The Sunday afternoon crowd was still plentiful if not quite as rowdy as the Saturday night group and there were a ton of families out and about. I actually spent Sunday volunteering in the souvenir booth with Jenn P., selling chicken hats and beads. Yes, it's a dirty job but someone has to make the public look like idiots.
I say this all the time and I will continue to spread the word - Tulsa has an amazing array of events, activities, and attractions. Don't sit at home every night watching TV. Get out and enjoy what Tulsa has to offer. So when "Oktober" rolls around next year - remember, one of the best festivals in the US is at your door step.
Check back next week for the latest in KeepingTulsaLocal.
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