History of Oktoberfest
It all started with a wedding. When crown prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese on October 12, 1810, the festivities lasted five days, ending with a horse race. The following year, an agricultural festival accompanied the horse race. In 1818 booths featuring food and drink were added to the celebration. By the late 20th century, the booths were transformed into large beer halls and the Oktoberfest as we know it was born.
Every year more than 7 million visitors attend the “original” Oktoberfest in Munich. The two-week festival always ends on the first Sunday in October. Cities throughout the United States and Canada also host Oktoberfest and Sauerkraut festivals where you’ll find plenty of Great Lakes Kraut.