Celebrate fall German-style

Ein bischen Deutsche Gemuetlichkeit. That's what Oktoberfest patrons at Old World Village in Huntington Beach can expect - a little German hospitality.

Old World Village resembles a Bavarian village square with stores where one can find anything from lederhosen to nutcrackers. The Festival Hall is the heart and soul of the Oktoberfest celebration. There, patrons can listen to authentic oompah pa bands from Germany and Austria, while imbibing on fine German beers and indulging in foods like Wiener Schnitzels, potato pancakes and bratwurst.

To truly experience what Oktoberfest is all about, one should sit outside in the Biergarten. Beer combined with sunlight can do marvelous things for the human body. But do arrange for a ride home beforehand.

In the center of Old World Village is the Rathskeller. Walk down a flight of stairs and see what a genuine German kneipe (bar) looks like. Enjoy a Dortmunder Dark, Warsteiner or a Bitburger Pils, all on tap in this basement bastion of German culture.

The Oktoberfest tradition began in 1812 in Munich, Bavaria, to mark the second anniversary of the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to the Princess Therese of Saxe Hildburghausen.

Because of its success, the one-day festival was later stretched to 16 days. For climatic reasons, the festival was moved from the original wedding date of Oct. 12 to September.

The Oktoberfest celebration in Munich is considered the biggest festival in the world, drawing approximately 4.5 million visitors each year. More than a million gallons of beer are consumed there, and sausages served would stretch from Dallas to Dusseldorf.

The Oktoberfest lasts through Nov. 6. Old World Village is open Wednesday through Sunday. Weekends are the best time to visit.

The village is located just off the 405 freeway. Take the Beach Boulevard exit to 7561 Center Ave., in Huntington Beach.

For more information, call (714) 897-1470 or 894-7669.