Boyertown Area Revelers Turn Out To Celebrate Oktoberfest

by Julie Cordingley

Wilkommen zum!

The original Brew Crew, the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and his fiancé, Princess Therese, were all correct in saying that September (year 1810) was the perfect time to host a two- week long public celebration leading into their October nuptials. They argued that the days were longer and noticeably warmer. In their correctness, Oktoberfest was born.

The original Oktoberfest, held in Munich, Germany, has endured even during WWI and II and the recent Covid years. In its 190th year, it is considered the oldest folkfest in the world. Held from the middle of September to the beginning of October, Munich will host close to 6 million visitors who will consume 7 million liters of beer…that’s almost 15 million mugs of beer! And although the beer and corresponding drinking songs are definitely the most obvious trappings of this massive get-together, there are underlying themes that have allowed this virtually uninterrupted celebration to continue… namely tradition, community, and joy.

These themes were more than evident this past weekend as Boyertown hosted its 18th annual Oktoberfest. There was a crowd of happy local revelers that was willing to do their part to enhance the bond between Boyertown and Bavaria. A much repeated sentiment among those who attended is gratitude toward the Building A Better Boyertown Committee, who once again organized and invited everyone to a good time. The two days were absolutely beautiful, and the fun infectious! Yes, there was beer, beer, beer… kicked off by the important tapping of the first keg by Boyertown Mayor, Lori Carnes. But there was also food, music, costumes, dancing, and an overabundance of joy!    

Below, Boyertown Area Expression writer Julie Cordingley shares the sights of Boyertown's 18th Oktoberfest.

You can read more about the history and traditions of Oktoberfest by clicking here.   

It has been over forty years since a chemist job in Malvern lured Julie Cordingley away from her up state, New York home. She is a proud resident of Gilbertsville! Besides working in industry, she has been a stay-at-home mom, and has just recently retired from Phoenixville Area School District as a (wait for it!) chemistry teacher. It has been a life-long dream to be a writer. She figures she can work at that craft while also traveling with her husband in their drivable RV…a retirement present to herself!

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