Elaina Eakle
ehe001@marietta.edu
As October quickly approaches, the city of Marietta is gearing up for Octoberfest and the accompanying restaurant specials and live music. But what exactly is Octoberfest?
Though it is referred to as Octoberfest in Marietta, the festival is actually called Oktoberfest. It began in 1810 in Munich, Germany, and continues there as a 16-day festival spanning from late Sept. to the first Sunday of Oct., according to the German American Societies of San Diego, Inc.
Oktoberfest is one of the world’s largest fairs, and there are many celebrations modeled after the Munich festival. Featured at the festival are the Oktoberfestbiers, or the beer that has been served at the festival since 1818. In addition, one can indulge in a variety of German food including schweinsbraten (roast pork) and steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick).
Several events in Marietta carry on this German tradition. House of Wines on State Route 60 held their Octoberfest Beer Garden on Sept. 28, where they featured their seasonal beers, pumpkin ales, and ciders. Though House of Wines does not have any other Octoberfest events scheduled, their specialty beers are still available.
“We have close to fifty different fall beers ranging from Octoberfest beers to pumpkin ales,” Janell Hinton, front house manager of House of Wines, said.
The Harmar Tavern will celebrate Octoberfest for the first time on the weekend of Oct. 10-12 with food and drink specials throughout the weekend. On Sunday they will start smoking pork early in the morning to be ready for those who come to watch the featured band, The Buzz, perform from 2 to 5 p.m. In addition, they will hold beer-tasting contests on Saturday and Sunday, Harmar Tavern General Manager Robert Farley said.
Octoberfest in Lowell, Ohio, will be held on Oct. 4 – 5. Admission to the family-friendly festival is free, and attendants can enjoy homemade German food, live entertainment, and a flea market.
Finally, The Humane Society of the Ohio Valley will hold a “Barktober Fest” fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m., located at the Outpost Bar and Grill on State Route 550, according to Becky Johnston, Humane Society of the Ohio Valley board president. Attendants can enter with a cash donation, participate in raffles and 50/50 drawings, enjoy four live bands, and view a fire show. Proceeds will go toward Hades Ladies Roller Derby’s next derby bout for the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley on Oct. 25.
