German teacher Mark Kotulich organized North Hunterdon’s Oktoberfest. Kotulich bought twenty-five pounds of sausage in preparation for the 60-80 students and parent who will be attending this festival. His classes sang traditional German songs that he taught them at the party. Parents cooked and brought authentic German food such as snicker doodles, Bratwurst, and beer, which is the staple beverage of Oktoberfest, was substituted by root beer, birch beer, and ginger ale.
Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany in 1810 when King Ludwig I married Maria Theresia. Instead of a traditional reception the king threw his son a huge party in the middle of the city. The couple was given a festival with horse races, food, and beer. The meadow that the party was held on was named “Therienwiese”. The German people of this time loved the festival so much that they decided to have one every year. The only time Oktoberfest has not happed was during times of war. During modern day Oktoberfest people enjoy “warst” (sausage), “gerbratene Ochsen” (roast chicken), and “Steckerlfisch” (roast fish).
Today Oktoberfest is celebrated in Germany with carnival rides, music, beer, and food such as German sausage and gingerbread. Many companies set up tents for their food and beer products, the most important tents are Haufbräu-Fetzelt, the largest brewing company in Germany, and Schottenhamel, the place where the festival beings. The festival happened during September 21st until October 6th. In the past fifteen years Oktoberfest has become a very popular event in the United States. The biggest celebration in America happens in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He has been involved with Oktoberfest for thirteen years; he began his involvement at Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School in 2000.