Conley Publishing - Special Sections
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1285715
Break out the buttery pret- zels and the icy brews, it's time for Oktoberfest. But how did this celebration of all things German come about? The people at Kegerator (who know a thing or two about beer) put together a history. Keep reading for some mile- stones in the life of the Oktoberfest. Oct. 17, 1810 The first Oktoberfest didn't have anything to do with beer at all. Instead, it was a wedding reception for Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxe - Hildburghausen. Everyone enjoyed the party so much, the happy couple suggested making it an annual event. 1819 The city of Munich takes over Oktoberfest after it grew large enough to include con- tests and carnival booths. Soon after, it turned into a 16-day festival from late September through the first weekend of October. 1850 The statue of Bavaria was unveiled and has watched over Oktoberfest ever since. 1880 Electricity was introduced to the Oktoberfest, which included 400 booths and tents. 1881 Bratwurst makes its first appearance. 1892 Beer is served in glass mugs. 1914-1918 Oktoberfest canceled due to World War I. 1919-1920 Oktoberfest replaced by a smaller autumn festival after World War I. 1939-1945 Oktoberfest canceled be- cause of World War II. It was again followed by a smaller autumn festival at the war's end. 1950 Two new traditions start: The 12-gun salute and the offi- cial tapping of the first keg at noon, when the mayor of Munich will scream "O'zapft is!", tap the keg and serve the first mug to the minister presi- dent of Bavaria. 1960 The last year of the horse races, and the first year leder- hosen and dirndl were picked as the official garments. 1980 Terrorists plant a pipe bomb at the main entrance of the festival. More than 200 peo- ple were injured and 13 killed. 2005 Quiet Oktoberfest hours are introduced to curb the hard partying and make a family- friendly time for visiting. 2008 A smoking ban at Oktoberfest causes unrest. Several politicians are voted out of office. 2010 For the Oktoberfest's 200th anniversary, horse races returned and a special beer was brewed. 2011 A record 7.5 million liters of beer is served. 12 FALL FUN GUIDE / SEPTEMBER 2020 Oktoberfest Time Line