Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (and my Mom's 80th B-day)

[disneygurlz2s]

Today my mom, Samantha and I headed downtown for Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (Cincinnati). Our city has a huge German heritage, and our Oktoberfest is the largest in the US, and second largest in the world next to Munich. Basically, it's 6-8 block long street fair full of mainly 3 things....beer, food and German music.

 

When we got parked, I unloaded the 100 pound wheelchair of death for my mom (who, as I stated above, was celebrating her 80th!!! birthday today!) and while she was getting situated, Samantha and I tied a sign on the back that said "Today's My 80th Birthday!" It only took until we got into the elevator of the parking garage until someone said something.... My mom was so funny, she kept looking at this woman like "Do I know you?" and then she realized we'd done something. She was a pretty good sport about it, even though she doesn't usually like attention drawn to her. All day long people were coming up to her and wishing her a happy birthday. It was awesome.

 

We headed about 3/4 way down through the festival to a spot where a German band, "The Polka Dots" were playing. They had some rides nearby and Sam, of course, wanted to ride, but the tickets were .75 each and every ride took 3-4 tickets. I told her she could choose one ride, so she chose the Round-Up which has become her favorite this summer. After that, we headed for food... Sam had chicken tenders and fries, my mom had a footlong hotdog and a potato pancake and I had stewed chicken and noodles. When we finished up we headed to the main stage for the day's big event, The World's Largest Chicken Dance (and Hokey Pokey). This was big deal for me, because this year's festival Grand Marshalls were local tv legends Al and Wanda Lewis, aka Uncle Al and Captain Windy. Now, if you grew up anywhere around the Greater Cincinnati area in the 50's, 60's or 70's you would know who this is. This couple hosted the longest running children's show in television history.

 

Once we got ourselves a place to sit, I took Sam and we went and got a frozen lemonade and I got an ear of roasted sweetcorn. We got back to our seats near the stage, I glanced over and saw Captain Windy. I was so excited. She was standing off to the side, so I grabbed Sammi and my camera and we headed over to meet her. I got Sammi's picture with her, which was a huge deal for me. About 15 minutes later they came on stage and sang songs from their old show (I could immediately remember the words!) and then did their signature "Hokey Pokey" followed by the "Chicken Dance". When that was over, we headed back up through the festival and stopped for our favorite treat, the giant cream puffs from Schmidt's Sausage Haus of Columbus, Ohio. I am ashamed to say I ate 2.

 

The crowd was getting pretty thick at this point so we made the rounds of a few other booths because my mom wanted some cinnamon roasted nuts and a soft pretzel to take home, and then headed back towards the Fountain Square garage. We stopped in front of the fountain to take a picture of my mom and Sammi, and a lady offered to take it for me so that I could be in the picture as well.

 

It was a delicious and fun day.... and I thought of Soren and Wally both as I walked past all the beer drinking guys in lederhosen!

 

Shari "God, those cream puffs are good" Shoufler

Here we are with the Birthday Girl...80 years young today!

The most delicious cream puffs ever!!

"I'm angry German girl...give me some food"

Uncle Al and Captain Windy lead the Chicken Dance!

Sammi with the legendary Wanda Lewis, aka Captain Windy.

Here's my mom and Sammi....she's ready for the Chicken Dance!

Here's the bus PhishyBrewer would like to drive, I bet.

[Stitch]

Great trip report, I am really out of the loop ... I had no clue Oktoberfest even started. Hopefully I can get down there and get some potato pancakes and cream puffs

[BelizeIt]

Wow! It looks like you had a great time!

 

It's fun to experience what different cultures from around the world have to offer...

 

Another reason that living in the United States is a great thing!

 

Sure you wish that you could be in Germany for Octoberfest, But you can still have a great time in the U.S. with your family and friends!!!

[AllisonY2K]

yes! the return of the 100lb wheelchair of death!! 8)

 

cool TR! I didn't know Cincinnati had a large German heritage. I know they have a thing for chili tho....

[Stitch]

Give us Cincinnatians/Northern Kentuckians spaghetti, chili and onions and we are happy campers

[disneygurlz2s]

^^ Skyline rules..... although it is an aquired taste. When people move here from somewhere where "chili" means, thick, beefy, jalapeno peppery stuff, they are taken back by what we Cincinnatians call "chili". But, it's grown on my hubby so much (originally from IL) that he eats more of it that I do.

 

But, no Skyline at Oktoberfest, just lots and lots of sausages, kraut and BEER!!

 

Shari "and the awesome cream puffs" Shoufler

[Hattuchili]

It was a delicious and fun day.... and I thought of Soren and Wally both as I walked past all the beer drinking guys in lederhosen!

 

Great photo TR, Shari. It looks like you had a good time there. To sad, I can not visit the original Oktoberfest in Munich this year, because I am still ill at home!

Remember, I don´t wear a lederhosen! However, I think Wally and I would have a lot of fun, there!

 

--Sören

[PhishyBrewer]

 

It was a delicious and fun day.... and I thought of Soren and Wally both as I walked past all the beer drinking guys in lederhosen!

 

 

Me... Drive the Miller bus? I don't think so. I'd lose my job with Anheuser-Busch. Miller also brews some nasty beer.

 

Very nice TR Shari. I miss being in Ohio for Oktoberfest. I haven't found a decent Oktoberfest in California yet Looks like I'll have to go visit Soren next year in Germany during Oktoberfest.