JUST AS PREDICTED

A few weeks ago I wrote about the possibility of the Mayor and City Council wanting to do away with Oktoberfest. Well, that is exactly what they are wanting to do! I received the following notice from the city; and this is proof that they do not want Oktoberfest in Leavenworth. Notice they are only concerned with the Month of October. What does that tell you?

“The City is now accepting permit requests for October 2022 events (yep, that's not this year, but NEXT year). 

We are seeking a new kind of partnership for a marquee event in October 2022 and beyond that focuses on families and showcases local industries, as well as provides all the hospitality our guests have come to know and love.

While the City doesn't run or put on any events, it is up to us to approve permits. The permitting process is where we ensure that people can gather safely, that traffic measures are considered, that city codes are met, etc. It's also the process in which we ensure the City values are embodied by the event as a whole, local businesses are supported, and all parties - from event coordinators to locals to guests - are considered. The new style of partnership we are seeking takes all of this into account in a structured way.”

They want to dictate what your event has to be before they will approve your permit and if they determine that it is not what they like then your event is “dead on arrival”. Another; example of government taking charge and wanting control of every aspect of one’s life.

I also am concerned that perhaps the Mayor has certain views on drinking of beer at Oktoberfest. It may well be that he is opposed to drinking and has convinced the Council that Oktoberfest is just is a “drunken party”. It may well be that there are those that drink to much and Projekt Bayern has done its best to address that problem. Most of the people attending just enjoy the music, singing and dancing and having a good time with friends. It is ironic that if the Mayor & Council feel it has to do with drinking then they do not know the history of beer in Germany. The oldest brewery in Germany (1040) was started and is still run by “monks”…so religion has nothing to do with it. Even today there are many breweries that are run by monks through their monastery. Nowadays, monks brew beer to fund their works and charitable causes. Today there are 24 breweries in Germany at monasteries.

Bavaria has a rich tradition of celebrating events of all kinds; and they always include music, dancing, singing and yes beer or wine. It amazes me that what is a very Bavarian tradition should all of a sudden be closed down. Why do other communities have an Oktoberfest celebration and here we are the “Bavarian Village” wanting to end what has been a financial success for Projekt Bayern and for all the entire business community just go away. Has the city really considered the revenue that is generated for the business community…lodging, dining, retail and the like. I would urge the business community to consider how this change would affect their business. We know what Oktoberfest generates but have no idea what a new event would mean for revenues to the business community. The future is your hands.
 

Ken Kohnhorst, FLMI, AIAA, ACS

Leavenworth