My Sober (Yes, it’s possible) Adventures at Oktoberfest

This was my first time to ever go to Oktoberfest, and I must say I rather enjoyed myself. I have lived here my whole life and I have never been. I think my desire to go this year stemmed from missing out on the state fair and my fascination with the Eastland-mall style tents that reminded me of a day when it was safe to be east of 169 on 21^st street (True Tulsans will catch the now-ghetto mall reference).

I am not a big drinker and I do not drink beer whatsoever. I gag if my nose gets too close to it – gross. So, you might wonder (as I did) what in the world could I possibly enjoy at a “fest” geared almost entirely to the celebration of beer?

·         Well, for starters, I got an excellent parking spot (Reason I loved the “fest” #1). I parked on the east side of the river and enjoyed a leisurely stroll with my husband across the bridge. Bad parking situations are a huge pet peeve of mine. I have been known to become so irate with terrible parking situations (i.e. Tulsa State Fair) that I simply go home because I do not have the patience to tolerate the jumbled up mess and idiotic drivers who cause the already horrendous problem to be even more of a cluster.

·         Unbeknownst to us, Oktoberfest started at 11:00 a.m. and we inadvertently managed to arrive at 11:05, which was absolutely wonderful! There was hardly anyone there and we almost had free reign of the place (Reason I loved the “fest” #2). As much as I hate jumbled up parking messes, I hate jumbled up swarms of people much more. I detest strange people bumping into me; even if you exclaim, “Oh, I’m sorry!” I will not forgive you.

·         Most of all, I loved the food! Even if you don’t enjoy beer, you can always enjoy the huge variety of food (Reason I loved the “fest” #3). The husband consumed a bratwurst faster than I believed was humanly possible; I enjoyed my giant pretzel. Together we tried a Bavarian cheesecake strudel, which was absolutely fantastic and every flaky layer gives me more reason to return next year.

·         I didn’t know what lederhosen were prior to my visit to Oktoberfest, but after seeing everyone and their dog (not a figure of speech, in this case) wearing them, I caught on quickly (Reason I loved the “fest” #4). Definitely don’t see suspenders every day.

I believe I will be returning next year, even if it's only to try the other flavors of strudel!