European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 30, 1985, Darmstadt, Hesse                                According to historical records 19 Beer taverns operated on the test grounds that year serving local brews to 60.000 visitors. A decade later visitors arrived Lor the first time by rail on the line that opened Between Augsburg and Munich and in 1850 the statue of Bavaria was dedicated on a site overlooking the wies Nas the lest grounds Are called by native bavarian. In 1860. The City population numbered just Over 120.000 and the lest that year hit the 100,000 Mark in visitors. By 1900. Beer Halls were an accepted and integral part of the lest As were waitresses serving mugs of Frothy Beer to demanding customers. The idea was introduced in 1896 in the Schottenhamel Beer tent and caught on quickly. The oktoberfest brass band added in 1897, proved popular with lest visitors. The Good times continued and the test grew. Then came world War i. And the test disappeared Lor live years. In 1919, 3 Small local festival was held but nothing compared with the old oktoberfest. A group of concerned citizens founded the society for the preservation of the oktoberfest and in 1920 another feet was held although still Small by comparison and under three different names Little oktoberfest. Alternative oktoberfest and the autumn festival. Turnout was poor but the City made Money. In the following year. The festival took on a carnival atmosphere with big. And sometimes deadly rides and sideshows. Then came 1938 and the last test before the Start of world War ii. Noticeably absent during that lest were the traditional Blue and White and yellow and Black Check ered flags representing Bavaria and Munich. Replacing them were red flags bearing the . An honoured guest that year was Mussolini. A year later Germany invaded Poland. The lest was cancelled. But not Lor Long. On sept. 11. 1946. Tho lest was started again and was called the autumn festival. Us main offering was food and drink. It was Small but within three years the test was on a Roll five Beer tells were operating and about 1.5 million liners of Beer were downed in the first of the renewed 16-Day festivals. By 1960. The oktoberfest was firmly re established and Drew 6 million visitors Lor its 150th anniversary Celebration. Since then despite some setbacks such As a terrorist attack in 1980, the fall lest has grown steadily. City tourism officials say attendance increases about 10 percent each year As does food and drink consumption. Last year that equated about 30.000 grilled Lish. Nearly a million sausages three dozen oxen grilled whole on a spit and More than half a million chickens. Of course it takes More than a million Gallons of Beer to Wash it Down. This year designated the Jubilee fest Lor the 175th anniversary officials expect More than 8 million visitors they say rooms Are booked Lor 50 Kilometres around the City. That May prove to be conservative based on opening weekend attendance. City tourism officials said an estimated million visitors took advantage of a Clear hot sunday and flooded into Munich Downing nearly a million Heady liners of Beer in the Elbow room Only Srnsky Beer Halls that dominate the wies n oktoberfest Beer tents and food concessions Are generally open during the week trom 10 . Until 10 . And sunday from 9 . Until 10 30 p in a City tourism official said some Are open later until about Midnight. The rides generally Start running at noon during the week and at 10 30 . On the weekend they begin to close Down at about 11 30 . The festival ends oct. 6 Zentini at the Beer Lents on the grounds is open except where individual breweries have set up a reservation  Tor groups. Group reservations Are generally booked Lar in Advance of the lest the  in not cheap a liter of Beer costs  Over 6 Marks depending on the Lent souvenir mugs run irom a Low of about 15 Marks to 45 Marks Lor the official Jubilee fest Rug with Pewter lop. Ride faces top Oil Al about 6 Marks Lor the double Loop roller coaster. For information 01 assistance the City tourist office has branches it the main Railroad station near the Baye Strasse exit and at the Airport. The Mam office is located in the City Hall on the mane Platz. The Bahn hol Branch is open monday through saturday from 8 am. Until 11 . And on sunday from 1 to 9 30 . The Airport office is open monday through saturday trom 8 30 . Until 10 . And on sunday from 1 to 9 . The main tourist Tolice is open monday through Friday from 9 30 . Until 6 . The stars and stripes Page 151985