McKinney, TX (USA)

I'd heard about an Oktoberfest event on the north side of Dallas and, with the Twins off at a birthday party, I decided to head over for the day. Mollie actually came with me, which made it more fun. We had to drive over an hour on Farm-1171 until we came to TX-121 (nice toll road!). Made it there around 1000 - early enough to look around town before the Keg got tapped. Mollie and I talked with several people and learned that this was only the second annual event, but that it was already bigger than 2008. You had to pay to get in for beer - I think because public drinking is not allowed in town without joining a "club" (saw this in Fort Worth when we first moved here - see JUL 2008). We enjoyed some apple strudel and root beer and then watched the parade through town. Our kids have taken Irish dancing lessons - and I've heard of Greek dancing lessons - but I really didn't know that kids took German dancing lessons... They were part of the procession, along with half & half Texas and Bavarian flags and Polka band. At the rear was a Franconia Beer ("The Beer from Here") keg. After the Star Spangled Banner and Deutchland-uber-Alles (!), the Mayor ("Pro-temp") made several comments. This was followed by a boisterous keg tap - everyone made toasts and spirits were high. Had some good beer (a Dunkel and Oktoberfest) while the Alpine Village Band played great Polka songs. Mollie and I danced along with a big crowd to the Chicken Dance, Valderie Valdera, Beer Barrel Polka, etc. We explored later and found out there was a "weenie dog race." Mollie was getting tired by 1430 - and it had gotten up to 35C - so we left. Way home worked well along US-380 until we got to Denton. Traffic forced us onto some side roads and the next thing I knew we were in Flower Mound (NOT I-35W...). Found Farm-1171 and got home around 1600. Definitely a must-do for next year!