A loyal reader of this warm thoughts column sent me the story about how Oktoberfest began. Some communities throughout the country celebrate Oktoberfest or have harvest festivals. Thanks dear friend for sending the history of the Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest began in Bavaria, Germany in October of 1810. Crowned Prince Ludwig announced his betrothal to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The people of Munich, Bavaria through an engagement party for them. 40,000 people celebrated the event and it was such a success that King Leopold declared the feast a national holiday.

This tradition continues to the present day in Munich, Germany, beginning on the last Sunday in September and continuing for two weeks. The festival in Germany begins with fanfare of brass bands, which winds their way miles through the city on a huge fairground. When all is in place, a brass cannon is fired to begin the festival. A ceremonial mug is hoisted to the mouth of the nine-foot plastered lion in front of the Lauenbrau biertent, also known as beer tent. The lion comes to life with flashing eyes and with head and tail wagging. He goes down the tremendous stain of beer and roars with satisfaction. during these two weeks there is an abundance of singing, dancing, music, feasting, and of course, beer. The event supports the largest industry in Bavaria. 50 million gallons of beer is brewed yearly and 4/5 of it stays within the city of Munich. Husky barmaids can carry 10 Full Stein's at one time. The nonstop kitchen brings forth varieties of German foods.

In the fall of the year following harvest, many communities in America have harvest festivals. Many churches may have their soup suppers, turkey suppers, and celebrate the end of the harvest season. It is interesting how the various cultures celebrate harvest time.

The season of autumn is a time of cheer. As we travel, may we see the blaze of the sunsets, the fire of the trees, the gold in the meadows...what treasures are these? So let's walk among them and bask in their glow, for autumn awaits us wherever we go. Autumn is magic - when nature is turning and letters keep the flame of our friendship burning. Thanks for sharing your warm thoughts! Celebrate autumn.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G Werner

Published in the Marion Record, October 8th, 1998.

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Till next time,

Trina