Millenium Oktoberfest

The 167th Oktoberfest in 2000 was the longest ever, lasting 18 days. Normally it is 16 days, ending on the first Sunday in October which this year was the 1st but the authorities saw an opportunity with the German national holiday on 3rd, to add two more days.

However it didn't do much to increase the numbers which managed 6.9 million (7.1m was the then record from 1985) and about the same number of litres of beer . 6.5 million, Alcohol free beer consumption rose by 21% to 170,000 litres.

Similarly tea and coffee consumption rose a staggering 24% to 250,000 cups, sadly a reflection of the poor weather in the first week which is when Angie and I went. Our reason for going was the Agricultural show which was celebrating it's 122nd appearance - nowadays only takes place every 4 years.

As usual we bumped in to several friends and acquaintances. Munich is still a very small place. Here in the photo posing in front of a very untraditional coloured tractor (Boris Brexit Orange) are Walter and Jeanette two friends we have known since around 1991 and from whom we got our Quarter Horse foal in 1995. Both are Munich residents but also have a "ranch" a 30 minute drive near the Ammersee lake - the scene of many horsey and social events over the years.

I think Walter & Jeanette have probably always dressed up in traditional gear for the event but are otherwise to be seen in Wrangler Cowboy Cut jeans. Angie hadn't yet got on the garb bandwagon which is getting very popular, especially with the youth. Look back at TV reports from the 60s & 70s and you will hardly see anyone in Lederhosen and Dirndl.

PS: Walter is the epitomic Bavarian man who rejects a 6-pack in favour of a decently filled shirt, an "ar*** in the Hosen" (as the Germans say) and good well tanned, filled calves.