Prost! Oktoberfest fun begins today, continues Saturday

COEUR d’ALENE — What began as a wedding bubbled into a beer-soaked celebration that has spilled onto the pages of history and into communities around the world.

Oktoberfest originated in Munich when Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig married princess Therese from Saxony-Hildburghausen on Oct. 12, 1810. The citizens were invited to join in the festivities that were held on the fields in front of the city gates, which have since been named Theresienwiese, or "Theresa's Fields," to honor the crown princess.

This community party has continued every year (except during World War II), drawing millions of visitors who guzzle nearly 2 million gallons of beer, consume thousands of pounds of meat and pretzels and dress in Bavarian fashion as they revel in an old German tradition.

The reason it's held in September rather than October (and continues to be called "Oktoberfest" rather than "Septemberfest") is because it initially began in October. Through the years, the festivities were extended and pushed into September to take advantage of the good weather.

"Because the September nights were warmer, the visitors were able to enjoy the gardens outside the tents and the stroll over 'die Wiesen' or the fields much longer without feeling chilly," reads Munich Oktoberfest website www.oktoberfest.de. "Historically, the last Oktoberfest weekend was in October and this tradition continues into present times."

Coeur d'Alene will celebrate its ninth annual Oktoberfest this weekend, with plenty of German fare and beer to keep visitors satisfied as the polka music plays.

"It is a fun fall festival," said Emily Boyd, events coordinator for the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association, which puts on the sudsy celebration. "We have all these seasonal holidays we celebrate, I feel like Oktoberfest is just one of those that has become popular, with adults and families."

While the official Oktoberfest in Munich lasts about 16 days, the Downtown Coeur d’Alene Oktoberfest fun only lasts for two. The festival opens at 4 today and goes until 9 p.m., reopening at noon Saturday and bidding attendees Auf Wiedersehen at 9 p.m.

This year's event will feature more than 30 beers and several tasting venues including downtown businesses, the Prostgarten at the corner of Second Street and Sherman Avenue, the Bier Schmecken Halle in The Resort Plaza Shops and, on Saturday, the Festzelt on The Resort Lawn.

Eight bands will provide live — and lively — entertainment.

"Last year we had the Hankers band and they were so much fun," Boyd said. "They were walking up and down the tables in the Plaza they were playing the accordion, and one guy was playing his violin behind his back."

Boyd said among the beer offerings for those 21 and older will be Adrenaline Seeker IPA from Coeur d'Alene's Badass Backyard Brewing, Punkuccino Coffee Pumpkin Ale from Elysian Brewing and Widmer Brothers Green and Gold Kölsch.

"You should make sure to do the tastings and try multiple beers. You can always buy extra tasting tickets," Boyd said. "We have so many. I would recommend trying a variety."

Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at the event or online. Ticket purchase is good on Friday and Saturday at all Oktoberfest locations and includes a pint glass and eight 4-ounce tastings or two full beers.

Entry for children and designated drivers is free when accompanied by a ticket holder. Free root beer on Saturday for children 12 and younger.

Those who dress up in their finest lederhosen or dirndl dresses will receive a free meal ticket for either Friday or Saturday. The food offerings include beer brats, Angus beef burgers, veggie burgers (gluten-free buns available), warm German potato salad and apple strudel.

Wunderbar!

Info: www.coeurdaleneoktoberfest.com