AUTHOR’S NOTE: In 2022, the festival reached out and let me know that there have been major updates since this review was done.
Since then, until I write an updated review, I am not putting this experience on the Ohio Festival Guide.
This post documents my experience on September 12, 2010.
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With the Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest being my third German festival of the year, you may think that I’m some sort of German festival junkie, eating brats and kraut whenever possible. You probably wouldn’t even be surprised to read that I plan on going to another one this weekend.
But would you believe that, prior to this year, I had never been to a German festival in my life?
It’s true!
So I’m actually just catching up.
Taking place at Riverfront Square…
…the festival decorated its pedestrian walkway…
…and picturesque fountain…
…with flags…
…bands…
…food booths…
…and beer.
But with the walkway so long and the German-esque things so spread out…
…the non-German bands…
…vendors…
…and food…
…made me forget the festival’s purpose.
In fact, after seeing the festivals in Oregon and Berea, I just wanted more. German clothing, souvenirs, gingerbread cookies or cakes.
Instead, for me, this festival only had a German emphasis in a generic sense.
Still, it was held in a smaller community, it was free, and proceeds went to help the city, various charities and a few lucky local high school students in the form of college scholarships….
…(although probably not those kids responsible for these signs – kielbasa/pumpkin)…
…so it wasn’t all bad.
Besides, some festival goers seemed to be diggin’ it.