Germany’s largest folk festival returns to Peoria

While Germany is nearly 4,500 miles away from Illinois, its iconic Oktoberfest was celebrated in Peoria last weekend. 

Oktoberfest was created in celebration of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen’s marriage in 1810 and comes back every October as the world’s largest folk festival. 

German clubs in Peoria trace back to 1851 with the men’s group Liederkranz. In 1996, the Peoria Park District and German American Central Society (GACS) collaborated to bring Oktoberfest to the Riverfront so the Midwest could enjoy the festivities too. 

“We have many things in common with the Munich Oktoberfest: a ceremony and parade with Tracht [traditional clothing group], Schuetzen [shooting club], Oompah band and a cannon and rifle squad salute,” Paul Bishop, a member of GACS, said. 

There were also several events designed for children, such as face painting and science experiments. A dachshund race and dog costume contest, won by a dog in a banana costume, and live music were also present. 

The Heidelberg German Band, who’ve played at Oktoberfest in the past, was one of the groups who played music at the Biergarten throughout the event.

Despite having several traditional ceremonies, this Oktoberfest didn’t just stick to the past. Alan Kanauss, lead singer and baritone player of the band, spoke about the music they played. 

“Polkas and waltzes, but also modern songs that you would hear at Oktoberfest in Germany, which includes country, rock and modern German music. It doesn’t matter if we play the traditional or modern music; we are always having fun,” Kanauss said. 

While the event had plenty of German traditions, the festival was open to all. With a tent containing lists of German last names and history, there were opportunities for those unfamiliar to learn about the culture.

“One of the most fun things I learned was a dance called the Schuhplattler, a four-person dance that involved two groups of two starting the dance at a certain time to try and keep going for as long as possible,” Thomas Santini, a freshman game design major at Bradley said after attending the festival. 

Even though Oktoberfest has come and gone in the Midwest, the festivities continue in Germany. For those not interested in flying thousands of miles to learn more about the country, check out the GACS website for information on upcoming events.