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Over in Europe, the Germans have been celebrating Oktoberfest – the annual observance of autumn’s beauty and bounty – for nearly 175 years. Well, here in Utah the Oktoberfest tradition isn’t quite as ancient, but you might be surprised to learn that the annual Oktoberfest up at Snowbird Resort is in its 32nd year. Snowbird has hosted Utah’s biggest Oktoberfest for more than three decades ever since, inspired by the towering mountains that reminded them of home, a couple of guys thirty-two years ago came to Snowbird to play their accordions and sing songs in their native German tongue.
Over the past three decades Snowbird’s Oktoberfest has grown a little bigger and a little better each year. Last weekend I went up to Snowbird and, as always, enjoyed being German for a day, listening to polka tunes by bands like Salzburger Echo and The Bavarians, eating loads of bratwurst, and of course, making an idiot of myself doing the Chicken Dance.
But chicken dancing aside, for me Oktoberfest is first and foremost about food. And at Snowbird’s Oktoberfest there’s no shortage of Bavarian treats, from grilled bratwurst and weisswurst sausages, to tender pink slices of beef Rouladen and paprika chicken, which I recommend with a side order of freshly made herbed spaetzle. Of course, it’s critical that you leave room at Oktoberfest for scrumptious apple strudel or German chocolate cake – or both.
You’d better hurry though, because the annual Oktoberfest celebration at Snowbird ends this weekend. So to get in on the Bavarian blast, strap on your lederhosen and head up to Snowbird this Saturday or Sunday. And please, save a slice of strudel for me!
