It was announced yesterday that Oktoberfest is moving again this year, from the Arena District over to Genoa Park at COSI. I was kind of hoping that with the new riverfront under construction this year that the summer festivals would be moving to new locations and hopefully realizing that the riverfront isn’t that great of a place to have them anyway. I’m actually looking forward to this year’s Arts Fest which is moving over near CCAD and the Art Museum which I think will give it a whole new feel. Having those extra venues surrounding the festival will make it feel more connected to the neighborhood. The riverfront is surrounded by government buildings and offices that are closed all weekend, which means the festivals held there feel like they’re being held on an island.
Anyway, back to Oktoberfest. I’d love more than anything to see it held at Schiller Park. I know the festival is the major fundraiser for the German Village Society, so to me it would make sense to hold in within the boundaries of German Village. I’m sure the residents don’t want to put up with the noise and congestion for a weekend, but come on! It’s only one weekend. The folks around Goodale Park put up with ComFest for a weekend every year and that’s a non-profit event. Where’s the sense of excitement in German Village these days? Why do the residents need to outsource their fundraiser to other neighborhoods?
Honestly, I don’t see the move to Schiller Park happening anytime soon, which is a bummer. Perhaps the alternative should be to start a second Oktoberfest party as a non-profit event and nix the entrance fee and keep the prices lower. Could be the “Independent Arts Capital” version of Oktoberfest. Anyone interested?
I’d be interested – I’m a big beer fan (the responsible kind), but I haven’t gone to Oktoberfest once in my fivish years here, because the prices are out of my reach and no one ever gives me a good review of it. (I get a lot of warnings that it isn’t worth the money to deal with the mediocre beer and huge, rowdy crowd.)
Honestly, the new Microbrew festival at the North Market is the beer event for me. If folks wanted to get something moving on an event to celebrate Columbus’ brewing history and German heritage AND showcase local beers in a great setting at prices I could afford, I’d be really excited. I’d even offer to help – once I graduate.
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