Minster Oktoberfest

The annual Oktoberfest in Minster is one of the most popular in the US!

Minster in Ohio, USA, is home to the world’s largest yogurt plant.
But that ain’t the beverage that swells the village’s population almost 30-fold one weekend in October.

The population of the agricultural village booms from under 3,000 to about 80,000 for the festival, making Minster's the second-biggest Oktoberfest celebration in the state of Ohio (after Cincinnati).
The Minster Journeyman’s Club (the Jaycees) and the Kiwanis volunteer group started the festival in 1975.
Minster has proud German roots. It was named after a city in Germany and settled by German immigrants who came via Cincinnati.
The Minster Oktoberfest runs for from Friday to Saturday on the first weekend of October.

Events and entertainment

minster-oktoberfest

CHEERS: A couple enjoy the Oktoberfest in Minster.
Pic: dumpingpixels

A Minster Oktoberfest highlight is the 10k (6.2mi) run which draws contestants from around the world.
The route follows country roads around Minster and is darn flat and darn straight.
Other, less exhausting events include a car show, a Little Miss Oktoberfest pageant, and popular beer tray relay race.
One of the final events is the Oktoberfest Parade which winds its way around the village streets on Sunday afternoon.
There is a strong community feeling with Minster-based groups and schools working together to create floats for the parade.
German polka bands are there to keep toes taping and an arts and craft show showcases the region’s handiwork.

MORE: German Dirndl - All about the beautiful dress

MORE: Ein Prosit lyrics - learn the words to the most-played German drinking song at the Munich Oktoberfest

More information

Where? The Oktoberfest Minster takes place in the village park of Minster, Ohio, USA.
When? Over three days at the end of September/start of october.
How much? Entry to the festival is free.
The Oktoberfest Minster website is at www.minsteroktoberfest.com

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