Oztoberfest Penrith

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Sat 31 Oct 2015

Oztoberfest – Penrith



Do you know the history behind the original Oktoberfest in 1810?

Aussies think of Oktoberfest as a beer festival but it is much more than that with a parade march, games of skittles, music bands, lots of dancing, and amusement rides. It came about as a commemoration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen in Bavaria, Germany. It is a people's fair to which the prince and princess invited everyday citizens to attend the festivities. A great horse race marks the close.

Visitors, young and old, from around the globe and within Germany travel to Munich to attend (6 million each year) and eat huge amounts of traditional German food, such as Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Hendl (chicken), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Wurst (sausages), Brezn (pretzels), Sauerkraut (cabbage) and Knodeln (potato dumplings), washed down with German beer.

Many cities mimic this popular festival and Sydney has a number of such events to attend, including Oztoberfest in Penrith. The local Paceway is putting on a beer and BBQ bazaar with lots of traditional German food in stalls along with other Aussie and international cuisine.

You don't have to like beer to enjoy this festival. I celebrated my 22nd birthday many years ago at the Munich Oktoberfest and there is much fun to be had both there and here. At the Penrith event, there will be cider, schnapps and wine tastings to enjoy in addition to all the beer.

Celebrate Aussie style with live performances from The Radiators, local singer Natasha Duarte and comedy act Mick Meredith. Traditional German folk bands and dancers will also entertain in this diverse line-up of talent.

A dress up competition provides prize money of $250 in each of 4 categories - adults, best male female; children, best male and female. So don your best German outfit and be in the running to win.



Carnival rides will keep the young entertained and fireworks will present some bangs. For collectors, glass beer steins will come in the shape of a huge mug or boot and special Oktoberfest pins will be on sale. Lebkuchen, a traditional German-baked Christmas treat (somewhat like gingerbread), can also be purchased.

There's a lot more to be advised in upcoming days. To stay tuned in, visit www.facebook.com/oztoberfestaustralia.

#barbecue
#comedy
#dancing
#family_attractions
#festivals
#music
#penrith
#west
#october
!date 31/10/2015 -- 31/10/2015
%wnsydney