'Tis the season!

Break out the lederhosen and prepare your largest bier stein - Oktoberfest season is upon us! This weekend, the Germania society kicks off Cincinnati's "oldest and most authentic" Oktoberfest.

Initiated in Munich in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig, we in the Ohio Valley picked up on the tradition relatively recently in comparison, as this year marks the Germania's Society's 39th annual Oktoberfest. Festivities include feats of strength, such as log-sawing competitions and a tug-o-war, a "Magic show by Denny," along with music and, naturally, the tapping and drinking of kegs of beer. This year's Burgermeister is Channel 19 Weatherman, Steve Horstmeyer.

Free shuttles leave from Pleasant Run Middle School and Elementary, as well as Vinoklet Winery. Get ready for a good time, as the Germania Society guarantees that "FUN WILL BE HAD BY ALL." After spending a bit of time with various Germania Society members, including President Walt Pegram, at the Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest keg tapping Wednesday night, I'd be inclined to believe the disclaimer.

Brew-Ha-Ha

It's a long established fact that alcohol makes things funnier. So what more obvious yet genius idea could there be than an event that merges comedians and beer? Cincinnati just happens to one - a FREE beer and laughing festival - this very weekend called Brew-Ha-Ha! 50 comedians, 80 beers, all found at Sawyer Point this Friday and Saturday. The selection is copious, and featured local brews include different varieties of the following: Moerlein, Little Kings, Mt. Carmel & BarrelHouse.

http://www.cincybrewhaha.com

Completely randomly, I originally found out about Brew-Ha-Ha on an airplane last week, as it was featured in whatever Delta's in-flight magazine is called as one of their "To-do" festivals of the month. As Brew-Ha-Ha's website states, "Cincinnati has a proud brewing history and this event pays tribute to it." Alright then. Make me laugh! Which is really not that difficult, as I'm easily amused.