America's Oktoberfest Draws Half-Million Visitors to Cincinnati USA

CINCINNATI, OH--(Marketwire - September 18, 2008) - From the Running of the Wieners to the Beer Stein Races, nothing celebrates the German holiday of Oktoberfest quite like America's Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, presented by Sam Adams and John Morrell, September 20-21, 2008 in downtown Cincinnati.

The largest Oktoberfest celebration in America, and the second largest in the world outside of Munich, will draw a half-million people to Cincinnati for the party, which spreads over six blocks on Fifth Street in downtown Cincinnati, including Fountain Square.

The celebration kicks into gear on Friday, September 19th on Fountain Square when dachshunds of all shapes and sizes get ready for the Second Annual "Running of the Wieners" presented by John Morrell. Then on Saturday, September 20, five stages will have continuous live German music as 40 vendors supply the party with food and drink.

Just how much food and drink? Here's a small sample of what's available: German Roasted Almonds, Sausages on a Stick, Cream Puffs, Cheesecake, Strudel, Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich, Goetta Sandwiches, Reuben Sandwiches, Potato Pancakes, Sauerkraut Balls, and beer. Eat all you want because Prilosec OTC is the official frequent heartburn medicine of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.

From the Procter & Gamble's Bounty Main Stage, U.S. Olympic medal winners Mary Weinberg and David Payne, both from Cincinnati, will lead the World's Largest Chicken Dance at noon on Saturday.

But Oktoberfest isn't the only German attraction in Zinzinnati this weekend. Even the Milwaukee Brewers are getting into the Oktoberfest spirit with a weekend stand with the Cincinnati Reds. Or visit the Hofbrauhaus in Newport for the spirit and feel of an authentic German beer hall. For those who wish to see just where our German roots came from, tour the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood in Cincinnati.

On the riverfront, you can take a water taxi tour on the new Ride the Ducks land-and-boat trip, visit the Newport Aquarium, or travel back in time on a BB Riverboats excursion. Whichever way you enjoy the riverfront, it'll be a "short trip with long memories" with the best views of the fall landscape in Cincinnati USA.

For more information, visit www.cincinnatiusa.com.

Photos are available at http://media.gamedaypr.com

Contact Information: Contact: Jackie Reau Game Day Communications (513) 929-4263