Oktoberfest History

It's that time of year. A time of change and of tradition. It is time for Oktoberfest.

So what is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest traces back to 1810 in Munich, in the state of Bavaria — the federal state occupying the southwestern corner of Germany. In 1810, the future King of Bavaria, Ludwig I, was married. In honor of the occasion, locals held a weeklong celebration that would eventually morph into the modern Oktoberfest. The year 1881 is another landmark in the festival's history — it was the first year bratwurst was served. Bratwurst, for our non-Midwestern friends, is a German sausage traditionally eaten with sauerkraut and mustard. My personal preference involves a little horseradish in the mustard.

Over the years, new elements emerged: a grand parade, games, and bands. Booths gradually evolved into the iconic beer halls we know today.

Since bier is so integral to Oktoberfest, a brief primer on the Reinheitsgebot is in order. The Reinheitsgebot, or "German Purity Law," is an old law — 1516 old — governing the brewing of beer. It states that only three ingredients are permitted: water, barley, and hops (yeast was added later). Oktoberfestbier (also called Märzen) brews in this tradition — traditionally made in March and left to ferment through the summer in a slow process called lagering. To be considered a true Oktoberfestbier, it must come from one of six Munich breweries: Augustiner-Bräu, Hacker-Pschorr-Bräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, Spaten-Bräu, or Staatliches Hofbräu-München. La Crosse serves many of these beers this time of year, especially at Stolpa's Steinhaus. They tend to be golden in color and not overly hoppy.

La Crosse's history is deeply rooted in breweries and German heritage, so it's only fitting that in 1961, the city's leaders decided Oktoberfest should be the annual festival. The first fest was formed through cooperation between the city of La Crosse and the G. Heilman Brewing Company, and that tradition continues today. La Crosse Festivals, Inc. holds a trademark on "Oktoberfest USA," and the festival regularly appears on top 10 lists nationwide. An economic impact study found that the celebration generates $15 million for the local economy.

This magnificent weekend has become a beloved tradition in my adopted home. For the last two years, family and friends venture north to fest with me. While some of the faces change, the feeling doesn't. I cannot wait.

Over the next few days I'll be writing about different aspects of the fest, including Craft Beer Night, the Tapping of the Golden Keg, the Maple Leaf 5-Mile Run, the Maple Leaf Parade, and the fest grounds.

For more information, visit oktoberfestusa.com.

Fest on!