Oktoberfest 2022 is here, beer, brats and Lederhosen — if you want

The ‘celebration of beer, food, fun and supporting local businesses’ is set for this Saturday, Sept. 24 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., according to a press release. The Rio Rancho Observer is among sponsors.

It will be held at the Country Blue Plaza Shopping Center, 3100 Southern blvd. SE. That’s the shopping center where Joe’s Pasta House, Elevate and Brew Lab 101 are located.

In addition to beer, there will be food, vendors, arts and crafts.

Oktoberfest is an Autumn festival held in Munich, Germany in late September and early October.

The official definition of Oktoberfest is: “annual festival in Munich, Germany, held over a two-week period and ending on the first Sunday in October. The festival originated on October 12, 1810, in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.”

Here is an FAQ from Oktoberfest  on the real thing:

While beer will be occupying just about every inch of the 420,000 square foot Oktoberfest grounds, there are some wine and champagne options at just about every tent – just ask.

The first Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich in 1810 in honor of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities began October 12, 1810, and lasted for almost a week, until October 17. The public celebrations ended with an exciting horse race. After such a spectacular party, the happy couple decided that the same type of festival should be continued annually. In the following years, the galas were repeated every October, prolonged and, eventually moved forward into September primarily because of the weather.

In 2019, over 7,000,000 people attended over three weeks.