If your only knowledge of German culture comes from World War 2 films or “Hogan’s Heroes”, get ready for real German culture overload! Visit the quaint North Georgia town of Helen during Oktoberfest to experience the German celebration without leaving the US.

The original German Oktoberfest began in Munich, Bavaria, Germany in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Bavaria. It was held in the fields just outside the city gates, which were later named Theresienweise, meaning “Therese’s Meadow”, and the festival is still held there. Each year the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg of beer and announces “O’ zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!”), marking the beginning of the festival.

Helen’s celebration is the longest running Oktoberfest in the United States, continuing from mid-September through most of October. The festival events are mainly contained to the Festhalle located at 1074 Edelweiss Strasse. There you can listen to traditional German bands performing live, have a delicious German meal, and, of course, have a beer! A large dance floor in front of the stage allows plenty of room to strut your stuff to a waltz, polka, or the Chicken Dance.

In addition to all the festivities of Oktoberfest, Helen offers other ways to enjoy the North Georgia Mountains and the rich German heritage of the town. From the Hofbrauhaus and beer gardens to the German bakery and the quaint Bavarian shops in town, Helen is a unique and interesting place to visit any time of the year.

This year’s Oktoberfest celebration will run from September 13th thru October 28th. A parade to kick off the festival will be held on September 15th in downtown Helen. So break out your Lederhosen, brush up on your chicken dance moves, grab your date and join the revelry in Helen this year!

For more information and hours, please visit www.helenchamber.com.

Guy/Girl ratio: 60/40