Oktoberfest at the Fairgrounds: Perhaps too successful
Was it just me or did anyone else who attended Saturday's Oktoberfest in Timonium feel crowded?
The event, sponsored by the Brewer's Association of Maryland, was well-run, with plenty of good beer. I counted 58 beers on the list of Maryland brews.
But the setting, under the Timonium Fairgrounds grandstand, was less than desirable. It was dark, loud and congested.
If you stood in line for beer, as almost everyone did, you blocked folks who were simply trying to move along. Outside at the sunny picnic tables and near the stage where the bands were playing, it felt better.
As I recall this event, or one like it, was once held outdoors at Oregon Ridge . Should it return to the great outdoors?
As for the beers, the most interesting newcomer I tasted was Hoptopsy, a new release from Barley and Hops, a restaurant and microbrewery in Frederick. Brewer Will Golden told me it is an extra special bitter, 6 percent ABV, with Amarillo and Pacific Jade hops. Good stuff.
Two questions: Should Maryland's Oktoberfest move outdoors to accommodate the crowds?
What was your favorite beer at the festival?
Comments
While I was not there, I have attended events held under the grandstand. It's certainly cheaper than getting a huge tent - but the infield with a huge tent would be a better venue or some combination of the infield and the grandstand concourse.
Posted by: bryanintimonium | October 15, 2008 4:26 PM
I'm never happy with the fairgrounds as a venue for anything other than the State Fair. Both the German Festival and the Oktoberfest should be moved back to a park like they used to be.
Posted by: Robert of Cross Keys | October 15, 2008 5:06 PM
Weather is the problem. In great weather like last Saturday, it's no big deal having it outside, but any appreciable rain makes it a mudbath. If you were at Union Mill beer fest this year, you know what I mean.They did have outside bars as well this year and that helped some. Perhaps the organizers could move more beer stands under tents outside, to alleviate some crowding inside. If 30% of all the beer was outside that would lower the congestion and save the event the monumental $$ it would need to have large enough tents for 10,000+ people.
Posted by: Dominic Cantalupo | October 16, 2008 7:38 AM
If you are looking to enjoy some fine beers in a more comfortable setting, Clipper City is hosting a beer dinner at the Capital Grille in the inner harbor this friday and there is still space available. If you are interested call the restaurant at 443-703-4064
Posted by: Daniel Henry | October 16, 2008 10:41 AM
I was there. It was a wonderful beer tasting, but a horrible Oktoberfest.
What little German food that was offered for sale was horrible. I did not see a drop of German brewed beer, unless you include The Raven. The bands played mostly rock music, though I did hear one carousel song. There was no evidence of drinking songs or ethnic dancing. After about 3:00 there was no room to move, let alone drink beer, under the grandstand--I gave a cheerful "prosit" to a few people as I clinked plastic mugs with them, and they looked at me like I was crazy.
In the city where I grew up, Oktoberfest took place under huge tents that covered several blocks of the main street. It ran for a week, and was well attended year after year. German musik, food, and dancing were everpresent, in addition to a healthy selection of German and American beers.
Posted by: joeboe2001 | October 16, 2008 10:45 AM
I miss the German food.
It isn't Oktoberfest without sauer beef and dumplings, lots of wursts, and some strudel.
Posted by: King | October 16, 2008 10:48 AM
The Oktoberfest that was held was definitely in name only. The last real Fest died when the Baltimore German-American Associations stopped sponsoring it at the 5th Regiment.
It would be nice to bring back something a bit less Bacchanalia and more traditional.
Posted by: bryanintimonium | October 16, 2008 12:02 PM
joeboe2001, guess there'll be one less body to crowd next year's event! You must have missed the oompa band right inside the entrance.
BTW, my fav beer was the special fest beer brewed especially for the event.
Posted by: Lisa | October 16, 2008 12:22 PM
For those of you looking for something a bit more Teutonic, the Zion Lutheran Church at City Hall Plaza will be holding their Sauerbraten Dinner and Bier Hall next Wednesday and Thursday, 4pm - 9pm. Spaten Oktoberfest vom Fass (draught) will be featured.
Posted by: MrPilz | October 16, 2008 11:47 PM
Here's an article about the increasing globalization and touristification of the real Oktoberfest:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,579729,00.html
Don't worry - it's in English.
Posted by: bryanintimonium | October 17, 2008 10:40 AM
Several years ago, the event was 2 days. Most of the contests and events were held on Saturday, which made Sunday a nice day to go without massive crowds. I liked that format much better. I've gone a couple times in the last few years and it's very unpleasant fighting the mobs just to walk around the pavilion. Either limit the admission numbers or go back to a 2-day format!
Posted by: JayT | October 17, 2008 1:40 PM
I have yet to attend the Oktoberfest at the Fairgrounds, so I have no advice as to how it could be improved. However, a HUGE PLUS of the Fairgrounds is the public transportation (Light Rail) that is so easily accessible - something they should promote a little more. Perhaps it could be free as long as you have a ticket to the Oktoberfest - just another way to advocate responsibility.
Posted by: Beer Fan | October 17, 2008 1:55 PM
Well, even if the event stays at the Fairgrounds for reasons of parking and transportation, there should be an emphasis on moving the event out from the grandstand. The grandstand area is a dump. It would be one thing if we were talking about a place like Keeneland or Churchill Downs, but the grandstand at the fairgrounds has all the charm of a highschool stadium.
Posted by: Robert of Cross Keys | October 18, 2008 9:25 AM