European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 20, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse Common sense is key to a Good timely Steve Taylor Munich Bureau make the oktoberfest More pleasant. Keep the following Points in mind go with a Good sense of humor and have a Little common sense monday through saturday the fest opens at 10 . And an hour earlier on sundays and holidays. Amusement stands close about 10 30 ., most Beer tents at 10 45 ., but some will stay open until 12 30 . If you re using the subways watch the time. The last trains run at 1 . During the week and 2 . On weekends. Most bus lines quit before Midnight. Baby carriages strollers and dogs Are allowed Only until 4 On weekdays. Generally at other times the fest grounds become very congested so keep tabs on children. Tell your kids that should they become lost to seek out a policeman or red Cross worker. There is an Aid station North of the Bavaria statue behind the Paulaner Brau fest Halle. The oktoberfest can be dangerous so be careful. The most common injuries a some 2,000 each year a Are from broken Glass. Be careful of where you walk and Wear sturdy shoes with thick soles. In the Beer tents people get injured sometimes when Beer mugs shatter sending splinters of Glass into the crowd. The Best times to visit Are weekdays. In the evening especially on weekends the congestion can grow to shoulder to shoulder stature and As the evening lengthens the drunks grow boisterous. This is not to say you can t have a Good time just be forewarned about what it May become. Don t drive. Parking is impossible at worst very limited at Best. Munich s Public transportation system is inexpensive fast and modern. It is also Safe. If you drink and get behind the wheel whether you drive or not it s considered a chargeable offence. If you do drive and need to sleep it off get in the Back seat. Bavarian can get quite loud during festive occasions. It s natural. Join in and have fun but Don t overdo it. Avoid conflicts in the Beer Halls and stay off the tables. If you do not you May be asked to leave. Don t try to walk out with a souvenir Beer Mug. It is a crime and police make spot checks. Souvenir mugs Are sold at several locations and this year a new collapsible Mug is reportedly going to be sold. Bavarian Beer is stronger than american Beer so take it easy. Crime is generally not a problem but it never hurts to be prepared. Take sufficient German Money along but not More than you can afford to spend or lose. The fest can be expensive with Beer now More than 7 Marks a liter and rides can Cost More than 5 Marks. If you need assistance the . Military police have an office co located with the Munich police across from the red Cross station. The red Cross station is also staffed by american volunteers so language is not a problem if you need help. Filo above a roller coaster is just one of the Many rides at oktoberfest. Below visitors from All Over the world crowd the grounds of the Theresie Wiese. File september 20, 1990 stripes Magazine 7
