Mayor Gordon Kicks Off 5th Annual Phoenix Old World Oktoberfest - Oct.9th

200th Oktoberfest Anniversary celebrated at 5th Annual Phoenix Old World Oktoberfest October 9th at Margaret T. Hance Park, with a German wedding and parade, family entertainment, contests, games, raffle for trip to Europe, traditional German food and plenty of German beer.

Phoenix, AZ, September 13, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon will perform the traditional tapping of the keg, kicking off the 5th Annual Phoenix Old World Oktoberfest opening ceremonies at 12 noon, Saturday, October 9th, 2010 at Margaret T. Hance Park (1134 N. Central Ave. Phoenix 85004) in downtown Phoenix. This year also marks the 200th Anniversary of the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, organized in celebration of the marriage of Bavarian King Ludwig I in 1810 as a "volksfest," which has continued to this day as a popular annual tradition. In commemoration of this anniversary, a German couple (the bride is from Germany, and the groom is American of German descent) will be married across the street from the Phoenix Oktoberfest at Grace Lutheran Church in traditional attire and will lead a processional to the Oktoberfest event.

Phoenix Old World Oktoberfest is hosted by the Arizona Center for Germanic Cultures in partnership with members of Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix. The purpose of the event is to reach out to the German community and introduce others to German culture and traditions. Funds raised by the event will be used to help build a Germanic Cultural Center and support German language education in the Valley. Grace Lutheran Church Outreach Ministries will also benefit from the proceeds of food sales, which will feature a traditional German pig roast with all the trimmings, as well as other favorites.

In addition to several varieties of imported German beer, provided by Warsteiner, festival guests can enjoy traditional German fare, including bratwursts, frankfurters, and roast pig, sauerkraut, apple strudel, pretzels and other specialties.

The authenticity of the event is enhanced by the musical entertainment, flown in from Germany especially for this occasion: Die Echten Waldbuam, who lead the crowd in traditional Oktoberfest sing-a-longs throughout the afternoon and evening.

This family-friendly event also includes a free Kinder Village featuring an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball pitch and other inflatables, plus games, contests and other interactive kids' activities, free all day.

Attendees can also compete for fun and prizes in a variety of contests, including a Polka Dance Contest; “Best Dressed” of Oktoberfest; Sauerkraut Cooking Contest; Beer Stein Holding, and Alphorn Blowing for kids & adults. A raffle offers opportunities to win two roundtrip tickets to Europe, courtesy of Lufthansa and various other prizes.

Additional event sponsors include Henkel and Gundelsheim.

This Oktoberfest family event is truly Bavarian-style like the original in Munich -- right down to details such as the long tables papered in Bavarian blue & white, where attendees can chat with neighbors and make new friends while singing along with old-time drinking songs.

The event is easily Light Rail accessible, from the Roosevelt stop. Admission is $5 for adults. Kids under 12 free. For more information visit www.phoenixoktoberfest.com or call (480) 947 PHXO (7490).

Arizona Center for Germanic Cultures (www.ac4gc.org) created the annual Phoenix Old World Oktoberfest in 2006 as a way to introduce Arizonans and visitors to German culture and traditions, serve as a social outlet for the large and growing local Germanic community, and raise funds to build a Germanic Cultural Center, while supporting worthwhile local charities.

About Arizona Center for Germanic Cultures: The Arizona Center for Germanic Cultures, Inc. is a not for profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to establishing a place for people of Germanic background to share their traditions, history, contributions, culture and celebrations with their fellow Americans. www.ac4gc.org.

5th Annual Phoenix Old World Oktoberfest
www.phoenixoktoberfest.com or 480 947 PHXO
Saturday, October 9th, 2010 – 10 am to 9 pm
Margaret T. Hance Park, (on the deck tunnel/Moreland Ave, west of Third Street))
1134 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Light Rail - Roosevelt stop
Admission: $5 (Free for children under 12)

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Contact
Arizona Center for Germanic Cultures
Colleen O'Donnell Pierce
602-478-3867
www.ac4gc.org
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