Oktoberfest in Munich – and Denver

September 22, 12:00 PMDenver People ExaminerErnie Tucker

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Denver gets its Oktoberfest on (Denver Oktoberfest)

When Munich’s 175th Oktoberfest started flowing Saturday, it began a ritual which will draw an estimated 6 million visitors – including some semi-naked Australians – by the time the last beer is drained on Oct. 5. And even though a traditional stein of beer is now a pricey $11, that won't stop the Oompah-palooza.

In contrast, Denver’s event, begun for the 39th time, is a bit more modest, limited to two weekends, ending Sept. 28. And while the location here, which moved to the Coors ballpark neighborhood on Larimer Street last year, is nowhere near the sprawl of the famous Munich meadow where guests first celebrated the marriage of Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese, it will do nicely.

And when revelers here raise a stein, they should recall Hertha Thomas-Zagari, who ran a import shop on Larimer Square. In 1969, pining for her native Germany, she and her husband, Fred Thomas, bought a keg of beer and were going to sell brew for 50 cents per cup. However, when a policeman told them they needed a festival permit, they decided to give it away.

So here’s to Hertha! And Coloradoans of all types should imitate the spirit of such a pioneer, sharing a toast with friends even if they don’t make it down to Larimer. Prost!