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Families can celebrate German culture with Donauschwaben Oktoberfest — the authentic celebration coming this weekend, Sept. 29 – Oct. 1. Enjoy live music, dance performances, food, drink and a special Kinderplatz area just for the kids.

Only Local Oktoberfest Held in October

Each year in Colerain Township everyone is Willkommen to be German for the weekend. Traditionally the Donauschwaben Oktoberfest is the only regional Oktoberfest celebration actually held in October. Some would say that this is simply holding true to its name, however, towns in Germany also host Oktoberfests during several fall months, in order to celebrate the harvest, as well as continue to honor the 1810 wedding of the Bavarian King Ludwig I. The German way of saying goodbye to summer and hello to fall is to have a festival, enjoy friends and say, “Prost!” with their favorite German Bier.

The Oktoberfest at Donauschwaben is nowhere near as vast as in Munich but it does have many of the same traditions and a couple of its own. The family atmosphere that exists is unparalleled!

“Everything we do is so our Fest will be the most authentic and true to German, Bavarian, and Schwaben traditions,” stated Herr John Hansi Weissman, Chairman of Oktoberfest. “We want this fest to always be a chance for families to have fun together, let the kids play, parents dance, enjoy the music with old friends and new, and enjoy the “Gemütlichkeit.”

(Gemütlichkeit is a German word used to convey the idea of a state or feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer.)

Highlights of Donauschwaben Oktoberfest

• FOOD AND DRINK! Each year 400 chickens and 12 pigs are pit roasted at Donauschwaben’s Oktoberfest. There is also spätzle, bratts, metts, goetta, Bavarian style pretzels, cream puffs, strudel and MORE! (Yes- you guessed right… “MORE!” means 30 different types of Bier and the 30th anniversary Donauschwaben Oktoberfest!)
• LIVE MUSIC! German-themed bands and bands from across the pond in Germany will be playing festive music to create the atmosphere. Traditional Bavarian dancers of all ages will also perform all weekend long. 
• ENTERTAINMENT! There are games and prizes galore in the Kinderplatz! The Fest Tent will challenge attendees with stein hoisting, the popular Mug Slide the famous “Bavarian” Rat Game and more! 
• SHOPPING! Wanting to look the part? Take this opportunity to dress like a German. There will be gently-used trachten (traditional German clothing) available for resale at the Trachten Flomarkt (flea market). All proceeds go directly to the Klub. 

Looking to learn more? Head to the DSOktoberfest page on Facebook, HERE.