News Release
For Immediate Release
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Celebrates 40th Anniversary, September 16-18, at Bigger, Better Site
Grand Marshals are FC Cincinnati
ZINZINNATI—September 8, 2016 – Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, produced by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and presented by Sam Adams, will celebrate its 40th anniversary, September 16-18 at a bigger, better site on Second and Third Streets, between Elm and Walnut Streets, downtown. The new site will be more spacious and will feature 50% more seating.
First held in 1976, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati has grown to be America's largest Oktoberfest with nearly 650,000 people attending each year. The celebration showcases the rich German heritage of Southwest Ohio, as well as tasty samples of German-style music, food and beer.
2016 Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Grand Marshals
This year’s Grand Marshals are FC Cincinnati president and general manager Jeff Berding, head coach John Harkes and members of the 2016 FC Cincinnati roster. FC Cincinnati is a United Soccer League club that began play earlier this year. They will lead the World’s Largest Chicken Dance, Sunday, 4:30 p.m. at the Sam Adams Main Stage, Second and Elm Streets.
Hours
Friday, September 16, 5 p.m. – Midnight
Saturday, September 17, 11a.m. – Midnight
Sunday, September 18, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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DIRECTIONS, PARKING AND TRANSIT
GetToOktoberfest.com will help fans of Oktoberfest and the Cincinnati Reds travel to baseball games and the largest Oktoberfest in the nation.
GetToOktoberfestZinzinnati.com provides:
· Directions to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati from I-71, I-75, I-471 and US 50.
· Preferred parking locations.
· Public transit information including Cincinnati Streetcar stops and information.
· Designated pick-up location for Lyft, taxis and Uber.
· Road closure and construction information.
NEW FOR 2016
Zinzinnati Bier Garten
The new Zinzinnati Bier Garten, featuring local craft breweries, sports and entertainment, has been added at Third and Race Streets. Zinzinnati Bier Garten participating breweries and menu:
Haven Hefeweizen
Oktober Fuel
Storm Golden Cream Ale
Twisted Bit Dortmunder Lager / MadTree
The Great Pumpcan
Happy Amber
Lift
PSA
Shade / Rhinegeist
Cidergeist
Cougar
Franz
Streaker
Truth / Rivertown
Divergent
Dunkel
Insurrection
Pumpkin
Roebling
In addition, Samuel Adams will sample three new, exclusive beers, brewed in Cincinnati. Those who visit the Zinzinnati Bier Garten will have the opportunity to taste and vote on their favorite style. The most popular style will be chosen for Samuel Adams’ soon to be released “513 beer,” that will be available for a limited time just in Cincinnati and the surrounding area.
Entertainment for the Zinzinnati Bier Garten will include live music and an 11’ X 6’ video screen to watch sporting events.
Zinzinnati Bier Garten Live Music Schedule:
Friday, September 16
5-7 pm - die Pässe (The Passports)
8- 11 pm - Mak Show (Shut Up & Drive)
Saturday, September 17
12-3 pm - Robin Lacy & Tanzparty (DeZydeco)
4-7 pm - Schwan (Swan)
8-11pm - Das Whamenschnitzels (The Whammies)
Sunday, September 18
12-3 pm - Naked Karate Fräuleins (Girls)
5-9 pm - Gee Your Band Schnellz Vunderba (Smells Terrific)
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NEW FOR 2016 (continued)
Cincinnati Reds Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Ticket Package
The Reds play four games (including two games on Saturday, September 17) over Oktoberfest Zinzinnati weekend. For as little as $20, you will receive:
· One ticket to a Cincinnati Reds game during Oktoberfest Zinzinnati weekend.
· One commemorative Cincinnati Reds/Oktoberfest Zinzinnati mug.
· Your first drink at the Cincinnati Reds game.
· Your first drink at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.
To get the Cincinnati Reds Oktoberfest Zinzinnati ticket package, go to Reds.com/Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Pre-Game Happy Hour
Whether you’re headed to the Reds game or watching the Bengals on TV at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, meet your friends, Sunday, September 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for dollar-off beers at our pre-game happy hour.
Special Release Beers
Look for limited quantities of special release beers from Sam Adams, Rhinegeist and Sierra Nevada as they make pop-up appearances throughout the weekend.
Oktoberfest 2016 Posters
Posters for the 40th anniversary festival feature Bratwurst or Pretzel for Oktoberfest campaign images. Additionally, beer mugs featuring each “candidate” will be available at the September 16-18 festival. Fans are asked to choose their favorite mug and “elect” Bratwurst or Pretzel as their stomach’s "expander-in-chief.”
OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI FUN FACTS
· Nine stages of live entertainment
· 50-inch TVs in all four fest tents
· 200 menu items
· 90 varieties of beer
· Nine bier gartens and fest tents:
o Sam Adams Main Stage Bier Garten, Second and Elm
o Blue Point Fest Tent – South of Second on Race
o Sierra Nevada Fest Tent - Second between Race and Rosa Parks
o Weihenstephan Bier Garten – Second and Rosa Parks
o Sam Adams Bier Garten – Second and Walnut
o Christian Moerlein Gloskenspiel & Bier Garten – Third and Walnut
o Ky Ale Fest Tent – Vine between Second and Third
o Erdinger Fest Tent – Third and Vine
o Zinzinnati Bier Garten – Third and Race
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OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI FUN FACTS (continued)
More than 2,000 Barrels of Beer are expected to be consumed at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati 2015. That’s nearly 4 million fluid ounces. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati also plans to serve approximately:
metts / 64,000
sauerkraut balls / 24,500
potato pancakes / 20,000
cream puffs / 6,000
jumbo pickles / 1,900 lbs.
German potato salad / 700
pigtails
81,000
bratwurst / 56,000
sausages / 23,000
soft pretzels / 16,000
strudel / 3,600 lbs.
sauerkraut / 700 lbs.
Limburger cheese / 400
pickled pigs feet
OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI FAVORITES
Tenth Annual Running of the Wieners
100 dachshunds will compete in the Running of the Wieners race. Only one can be top dog; Friday, September 16, 11:30 a.m., south of Second on Race.
Christian Moerlein Glockenspiel and Bier Garten
A stage and clock above - a Christian Moerlein bar below. At the top of each hour, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati rings in beer o’clock with celebrity bell-ringers, music, toasts, souvenirs, dancing and a 23-foot LED screen. Every hour on-the-hour, September 16-18, Third and Walnut.
Goodwill Games
Teams of Zinzinnati celebrities compete in Gemuetlichkeit (goodwill) Games—including the Beer Stein Race and Beer Barrel Roll, Friday, September 16, 6p.m. on Second between Walnut and Vine.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati Opening Ceremonies
Sam Adams founder and Cincinnati native, Jim Koch will tap the ceremonial “first keg,” Saturday, September 17, 11:30 a.m. on Sam Adams Main Stage, Second and Elm.
World Brat Eating Championship
World eating champion, Joey “Jaws” Chestnut will return to defend his Oktoberfest Zinzinnati title. He holds the world brat eating record (70 brats in 10 minutes at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, 2013). Saturday, September 17, 3 p.m. at the Christian Moerlein Glockenspiel and Bier Garten, Third and Walnut
Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting
The Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting Championship, a contest of grit, determination and strength will take place Saturday, September 17, 5 p.m. on Sam Adams Main Stage, Second and Elm - after a series of preliminary events hosted at local bars and pubs.
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OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI FAVORITES (continued)
World's Largest Chicken Dance
Thousands of chicken dancers have congregated every year since 1994 when Zinzinnatians set the Guinness World Record as the largest Chicken Dance in zee world! Leading the 2016 World’s Largest Chicken Dance is FC Cincinnati president and general manager Jeff Berding, head coach John Harkes and members of the 2016 FC Cincinnati club, Sunday, September 18, 4:30 p.m. on Sam Adams Main Stage, Second and Elm.
In 1994, the Crown Prince of Bavaria attended Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati and helped the event set a world record for the World's Largest Chicken Dance, with 48,000 participating. Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati held the world record for largest group dance in the Guinness Book of Records, 1995-97 editions. Others have included:
1995: San Diego Chicken1998: Al Hirt
1999: Weird Al Yankovic
2000: Davey Jones
2001: Tony Orlando / 2002: Verne Troyer
2003: Eddie Money
2004: Vince Neil
2005: Uncle Al &
Captain Windy
2006: Chad Johnson / 2007: Joe Nuxhall
2008: Mary Wineberg &
David Payne
2009: Homer Simpson
2010: Rich Franklin
2011: Joe Morgan / 2012: Tom Browning
2013: George Takei
2014: Nick & Drew Lachey
2015: Ken Anderson
2016: FC Cincinnati
OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI ONLINE/SOCIAL MEDIA
Website: OktoberfestZinzinnati.com.
Facebook: facebook.com/oktoberfestzinzinnati
Twitter: @cincinnatiparty
About the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber is one of the nation’s largest chambers, representing the interests of 4,000 member businesses. Its mission is to leverage the potential of the business community to create economic prosperity for our region. The Chamber serves its membership and the Cincinnati USA community through leadership and professional development programs, government advocacy, festivals and events, regional vision and collaboration, money-saving benefit programs, networking opportunities and educational programs. For more information, visit cincinnatichamber.com.
Contact:
Rich Walburg, Communications Director, Zinzinnati USA Regional Chamber
513.579.3194 Direct, 513.205.7424 Mobile,
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