Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810, and the royals invited the public to celebrate on the fields outside the Munich city walls. The festivities included a horse race, swings for the children, and, of course, lots of beer. That gathering is remembered today as the start of Oktoberfest, a festival now celebrated worldwide.
Christ Lutheran Church, located at 701 N Indiana Avenue, will mark the occasion locally with its own Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, October 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the newly updated Fellowship Hall. While there will be no horse race, the event will feature bratwursts and other German foods, beer for purchase, and live music by the Bayischer Bu’am.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for ages 16 and under. The price includes an all-you-can-eat dinner and dessert along with musical entertainment by the Bayischer Bu’am.
Organizers encourage guests to wear traditional costumes, with prizes awarded for the best Dirndl and Lederhosen. A chicken dance is planned, and families, friends, and neighbors are invited to join the festivities. Tickets will be available in the church narthex or by calling 603-475-3492.
Photo, (l-r): Anita, Ingrid, Pastor Ken, Donna, Nancy, and Bob.
