Michigan Oktoberfests!

If you haven't heard yet, it is time again for Octoberfest. Traditionally, the festival is held for in mid to late September and proceeds until the first Sunday in October. 2010 marks the 200th celebration of this event, which began as the celebration of marriage between Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. That first event was October 12, 1810. The celebration was such a success, it was repeated the next year. Slowly, the event was pushed forward, to maximize warmer days in Germany. Coincidentally, the celebration also coincides with traditional brewing schedules before modern refrigeration. Brewers usually had to cease their efforts around March and store (lager) their beer in caves or cellars, to avoid spoiling through the summer months. Remaining bottles were usually served at Octoberfest, which was also the beginning of the brewing season.

Today Octoberfest is celebrated all over the world, with Germany having the largest attendance and contemporary celebrations. Many breweries throughout the world now brew seasonal "Oktoberfest" names beers and Michigan is no exception. Nearly every brewery has theirs on tap, and distribution can be seen With Bells Oktoberfest, Atwater Blocktoberfest, Motor Cite Brew Werks Octoberfest, Shorts Noble Chaos, and Great Lakes (Cleveland) Octoberfest. Several events are in place as well, starting today with The Rochester Mill Brewery Oktoberfest Celebration. LIve music, memorabilia (steins!) kids events, German style beer, food, and dance will all take place under an expansive warm and dry tent. There is a $5 donation to the make a wish foundation. Today 5-11 pm, Saturday 1-11pm. October 9th, Sherwood Brewery in Sterling Heights will host its Octoberfest, and the following weekend October 16th, Kuhnhenn of Warren will celebrate as well.

So reach out and grab your Oktoberfest beer, find an Oktoberfest celebration, and celebrate your Michigan Oktoberfest!