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It appears the German Village Oktoberfest will be at the Ohio State Fairgrounds once again this year. In an e-newsletter sent out this morning by the German Village Society, they say, “Our biggest party has moved to the state fairgrounds. And it has a whole new look, thanks to our friends at Schmidt’s. This year, we’ll help make it an Oktoberfest to remember. Mark your calendars for September 24th through the 26th.”
After being nearly cancelled in 2009, Schmidt’s restaurant brought the event back to the Ohio Expo Center at the Ohio State Fair. Columbus Oktoberfest 2010 will take place at the same location and also be a free event.
Wow. Really early to be calling this at the Fairgrounds again. Last year they waited until nearly the last minute to change venues. Wouldn’t think a Sept/Oct event would require a Dec “Save the Date”.
Oh well. Another year outside of German Village, another year I’ll not be in attendance. Move it back to GV, and I’ll be there in a heartbeat. ;)
The fair grounds offered an incomparable atmosphere for Oktoberfest, much better than any venue with portable tents that would be set up in the village - I’ll be going, not to spite the Society for not having their act together, but to show support for Schmidt’s taking the reigns.
I think people should give the fairgrounds a chance. Schmidt’s saved Oktoberfest and it was good time last year.
@Walker
It’s worth mentioning that the German Village Society cancelled it at the last minute and Schmidt’s resurrected it, that’s the only reason for the last minute venue change. How they managed to pull off such a great event with so little time to plan is impressive
The fairgrounds offer nothing in terms of nostalgia…it’s dirty, out of the way and feels unsafe at times, especially at night. I thought i was going to get shot on the bus ride over. Having it at the fairgrounds just feels like a half-assed attempt. I don’t get the same “feeling” over there as i would get in GV or even the AD or riverfront. Move it back to GV where it belongs. That being said, I do appreciate that fact that Schmidt’s stepped in to save the festival. It’s better than not having it at all.
Schmidt’s did a great job salvaging a tired, fractured event. The venue worked even if the weather was uncooperative. I look forward to the 2010 event. Thank you, Schmidt’s!
jpunkster Says: It’s worth mentioning that the German Village Society canceled it at the last minute and Schmidt’s resurrected it, that’s the only reason for the last minute venue change. How they managed to pull off such a great event with so little time to plan is impressive.
Agreed. I’m not trying to discount Schmidt’s at all. They did a nice job.
It sounds like GVS supports the move though, and according to the original post it sounds like they’re on board for helping out with the event in 2010, which is why I thought it was extremely early for them to be issuing a “save the date”. That’s all.
Personally, I’d prefer Oktoberfest to be “neighborhood” festival where you could mix beer tents, brick streets, polka stages, patios at Barcelona and MoJoe, and the ambiance of Schiller Park. That sounds like a fun festival to me.
If I want to eat some Schmidt’s, I’ll just go to Schmidt’s. I’m not going to the state fairgrounds for it. Sorry.
Hmm, is see a name change to it is now called the columbus octoberfest.
Generally speaking ‘not in my backyard’ is the catchphrase in GV. While Schiller Park is the ideal location of Oktoberfest – all that gets is oppostion. At Comfest someone told me that people moaned when it was moved from the campus area to Goodale Park. I am glad it is there. If people want to be Debbie Downers that Oktoberfest is at the fairgrounds then so be it. I guess others will have to take up the slack. It is not fair and myopic to compare last years Oktoberfest to a typical evening out at Schmidt’s. I hope someday Oktoberfest moves beyond the petty politics that have haunted it to become a city wide ‘community’ event.
IMHO Oktoberfest should be neighborhood festival. It is disappointing that the location is even an issue, much less a complicated one.
Another year, another head scratcher. The Brewery District would be one of the best settings anywhere in North America for an Oktoberfest celebration.
History? Architecture? Accessibility? Parking? a big friggin’ statue of a guy drinking beer? check, check, check, check, and check.
Nope…let’s have it on a big patch of dirt with a few asphalt roads and some buildings that still smell from the livestock judging contests.
Hey Brewmaster! Long time no see! ;) I agree that the Brewery District would be a great location for it. Shut Down Front Street between Livingston and Sycamore for the weekend and let er’ rip!