Grab your beer steins, it’s time for Oktoberfest

-- ROSEANNA MAHLER

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- For almost 190 years, Germans have gathered for

drinking, dancing and merrymaking during Oktoberfest -- one of the

world’s longest running annual parties.

And the Old World Village in Huntington Beach is no exception.

Beginning Sunday, and running through Oct. 29, the annual Oktoberfest

will be held in the heart of the village at 7561 Center St.

Those attending can listen to an oompah band flown in from Germany or

participate in such contests as beer stein-holding, yodeling and beer

drinking. They can also learn to do the famous Chicken Dance.

There will be many German beers on tap and many traditional

Oktoberfest foods, including bratwurst, potato salad, hot pretzels and

apple strudel.

“We are expecting 40,000 to 50,000 to attend the festival this year,”

said Dolores Bischof, one of the event’s coordinators.

Oktoberfest for individuals 21 and older will be held from 6:30 to 11

p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, with free admission, and 6:30 p.m. to 1

a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with $5 admission before 9 p.m. and $10

after. Sundays are family days with hours from 2 to 8 p.m. Admission is

$3.50, and children younger than 12 are free. For more information, call

(714) 895-8020.

Oktoberfest originated in 1812 in Munich, Germany. The festival was

centered around the second wedding anniversary of Crown Prince Ludwig and

Princess Therese Saxe Hildburghausen.