Cocoa Village Oktoberfest

Crown Prince Ludwig knew how to throw a party. Two hundred and one years ago, in Bavaria, the Prince wed his beloved and celebrated by throwing a party. A huge party. Guests had such a great time, they made it an annual event. The festival grounds, Theresienwiese, are named for the bride, quite the party gal herself.

There were years the festival didn't happen, such as a war or an epidemic, but this year marks the 178th Oktoberfest in
Bavaria. What began as a party in the park is now a 77 acre festival right in the middle of Munich. While it is unknown just how many attended Ludwig and Therese's party back in 1810, this year's Oktoberfestival is expected to draw a million
people. For those who have neither the time, nor the funds, to travel to Munich for the birthday bash, there is an alternative.

Historic Cocoa Village Oktoberferfest

Cocoa Village is the ideal location for an Oktoberfestival. Like Munich, it has plenty of trees, shade, and places for those long tables characteristic of the festival. The merriment takes place on Saturday, October 8, starting at 5 p.m. at Brevard Ave, and Harrison Street in the village. Three stages will feature live music, and there will be authenic German food, and a beer garden pouring authenic German brews - will be continuous. Live radio remotes will also be broadcasting and promise to have plenty of giveaways for all.But thats just the beginning!

Schedule of Events

The following schedule has been announced:

• 5-9 p.m.: Warsteiner Gazebo Stage (next to Dog and Bone Pub): Heir Dan and Fraulein Oktoberfest Party
• 5-9 p.m.: Harrision Street : DJ Hanz - Dance Music for the whole family
• 9 p.m.-late: Harrison Street Stage: Heir Daniel and Fraulein Suzanne Oktoberfest Party
• 11 p.m.: Miss Oktoberfest Bikini Contest: (Cash prizes!)

Contests

What would a well-respected festival be without contests and games, and the Historic Cocoa Village has some very unique ideas about the subject. The following contests have been announced:

• For the athletic crowd, there will be the "Masskrugstemmen" Championships. This involves holding a filled liter stein of beer with one arm, stretched out from the body, parallel to the ground. Sounds easy but after the first ten minutes, its not, unless one visits the gym frequently. Be at the Gazebo Saturday night at 9 p.m. for the finals.
• There will be a Hanz & Franz Look-a-like Contest at the Gazebo on Saturday night, 9 p.m. That's Hanz & Franz from Saturday Night Live, one of the show's most popular skits.
• Also on Saturday night, at the gazebo, will be the Yodeling Competition. That will be held at 7 p.m. officially, but will likely continue as the beer flows.
• This year's Miss Oktoberest Bikini Pageant will be held at 11pm on Saturday October 8 at the Myrt Thorpe Square Gazebo outside of the Dog N' Bone British Pub in Cocoa Village. The contest is open to women at least 18 years of age with a valid photo ID. The winner will be crowned Miss Oktoberfest 2011 and will receive 2 tickets to Universal Studios compliments of Cocoa Village Oktoberfest, a Tiara and $300 cash prize money. The 1st Runner Up will receive $100 cash and the 2nd Place Runner Up gets a $50 bar tab.

For tickets, updates and details, there is a website available. There is a warning about frequent updates so it might be
wise to wait until the festival is closer. Oktoberfest is an autumn rite-of-passage. This year, don't forget to toast Ludwig and Therese, who are celebrating their 201st anniversary.