European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 14, 1995, Darmstadt, Hesse                                More than 6 million people expected to attend Munich s Beer Bash a Young woman dons appropriate headgear for oktoberfest a Beer Mug shaped hat. By Mark Kinkade staff writer Munich is putting the final touches on preparations for a Beer Bash that will make the rowdies fraternity party look like an ice Cream social. For 16 Days beginning when Munich s lord mayor taps the first Keg saturday and ending when the last Beer tap is closed oct. 1 the 162nd annual oktoberfest will be the focus of the european partying world. Fest officials expect a crowd of 6 5 million people will Jam Munich s Theresie Wiese to gulp nearly million. Gallons of Beer ride carnival rides and listen to dozens of oomph bands. Yov a1 the lest which began As a Celebration of the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony Hildburg Hausen in 1810, draws about 1 million visitors each year for com Germany. The rest of the crowd comes from other countries to witness the famed party. The most important statistic Beer is the High Point of the fest officials said. All six of Munich s major breweries Are represented with seven festival Halls. The Halls Are actually 10,000-person tents erected by workers at the base of the massive statue honouring the Princess. But there will be More than drink offered at the fest. For example 25 sausage stands will Cook an estimated 380,000 pork sausages and the traditional roast oxen stands will Cook a Herd of about 60 full sized animals for hungry partners. Cooks at the six roast Chicken stands will prepare Abott 750,000 barnyard Duckers for the fest and about 40 kiosks will be on hand to sell everything from a gazettes to ice Cream. A. If the food and drink Aren t enough fes Igors will get a Nurnberg i a Bahn 1-8 Haupt Bohnhof main railway station. U4/u5theresienwieso Cit Center Messerla Tybus 32 u4/u5 Messegee Anderus 31 hippodrome Armbrust Schutzen Hoffr a Hacker rus red Cross & oktoberfest offices schottenhame sport Chi Itzen Paulaner Brsus spate Brau 10 Fischer Vroni Augustine Brsus Pschorr Brsus Lowenbraun wafers wies sch Snake Zum Wein Wirt Bavaria statue Matthias Psychon str. Oktoberfest Chance to stir their stomachs on the 48 Fairground carnival rides sprawling across the  grounds. While the fest is heavily geared to food and drink it does have its share of pomp and ceremony. According to tourism officials the schedule of events includes saturday grand entry of the oktoberfest landlords and breweries. Beginning at 11 ., decorated horse drawn carriages Roll onto the fest grounds carrying the landlords families  from the breweries bring some of the most important participants the waitresses who carry the Beer. Roughly 1,000 people will participate in the Parade that lasts 45 minutes. Grandstand seating along the Parade route costs 3.8 Marks about $26.after the Parade the lord mayor taps the ceremonial first Keg at noon. The fest then operates every Day from. 11  To about 11 . One official said the closing time is tied closely to when we get the last drunk out . A y " saturday oktoberfest folklore International. Selected performers from the costume and Rifleman s Parade dance sing play music and display costumes for about two hours at the circus Krone building located on the fest grounds. The performance begins at 8 . And costs Between 12 and 29-Cerman Marks $8-$20. Sunday oktoberfest costume and Rifleman s Parade. For two hours beginning at 10 ., performers Parade through the fest grounds in costumes representing various european countries As Well As costumes reflecting the bavarian culture the enormous Parade weaves through the City streets and onto the Parade grounds under a canopy of decorated Trees Telephone and Light poles. Roughly 7,000 people will participate in the Parade. Grandstand seating throughout the City costs 59 Marks $40k sept. 24 concert of the oktoberfest bands. The dozens of bands who fill the Beer tents gather at the base of the Bavaria statue for a concert beginning at 11  If the concert is rained out officials will reschedule for oct.1, ". Tourism officials advise that travellers should not attempt  to the fest. Parking in Munich is Tough enough without the fest. Add 6 million people and thousands of cars and parking becomes a Nightmare. However most area support groups or base support battalions in Germany Are offering tour packages to the fest through either morale welfare and recreation programs or the Uso. These Tours usually include transportation and in some cases lodging. 72 stripes Magazine september 14-20, 1995