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62LIFE
WUNDERBAR !
GET READY FOR OKTOBERFEST !
By Charity Doyl
ith almost 20 percent of Americans claiming German ancestry , and many of them looking to connect to their roots in a festive way each year , you will find the traditional fall festival Oktoberfest in nearly every major U . S . city .
The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture , having been held since the year 1810 .
62 ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE
Oktoberfest season starts in September because its final day typically has a fixed spot on the calendar . What started as prenuptial festivities for a royal wedding turned out to be so popular that the local folks decided to recreate the joy the following year .
Oktoberfest in the Pacific Northwest is the next best thing to Oktoberfest in Munich . Washington , Oregon , Montana , and Idaho are splendid in the fall , perfect for donning lederhosen
( leather breeches ) and enjoying German and / or local craft beer .
TIPS TO SURVIVE AND ENJOY YOUR FIRST OKTOBERFEST
What to Wear — Lederhosen and Dirndl It doesn ’ t matter if you have German heritage or simply want to embrace the festivities — everyone is encouraged to wear traditional Bavarian attire during Oktoberfest . For ladies , this involves a dirndl dress , which consists of a bodice , a blouse