Oktoberfest

[mlarnold]

So there I was, hours deep into the Oktoberfest that is my colleges homecoming when I found myself thinking, this is supposed to be a step into the heritage of a German founded town and all it is is a way for the different organizations on campus to sell t-shirts and what not, shouldnt such a festival be more about the true Bavarian festival and not just a fund raiser? Not that Im against the student organizations raising money, I just expect it to be more in the spirit of brewing, of course I could be way off base, but ive always thought that the true Oktoberfest is more for the culture of those who are responsible for the most popular beverage in history (stats not confirmed, think i saw it somewhere) by the by, great time, any who are in the area of Hays KS and haven't attended I encourage you to, great food, fun atmosphere and mumble mumble ramble ramble, drunken mindlessness

 

[gratus fermentatio]

If you replace the word "Oktoberfest" with any major (or not so major) US holiday & the word "fundraising" with the word "sale" or "profit," then you've just described virtually every US holiday from New Year's eve to Christmas. It's a bit sad, but that's the way it is. I think it's really up to the individuals & families to take stock in the traditions & pass those beliefs & values down to succeeding generations. I mean we've (as a culture) already replaced the crucifiction of Christ with fictional bunnies that $hit jelly beans, there's no telling what could eventually replace Oktoberfest. That's my 2 cents worth. Regards, GF.