Well-deserved Oktoberfest exhibitors

Showmen and market merchants talk about the old times

What would the Oktoberfest be without the people who have shaped it over decades with their ideas and commitment? The unique Oktoberfest atmosphere is also due to the showmen. Many of them are true Oktoberfest veterans and have been running their rides and amusement rides full of dedication for decades. The regulars' table of the old exhibitors took place in the Marstall tent in honour of the old exhibitors and seniors of the market merchants. At the invitation of the Able family, they chatted about the good old times over a hearty lunch...

"The showmen shape the face of the Oktoberfest"

"You are the ones who shape the face of the Oktoberfest," said Oktoberfest boss Clemens Baumgärtner, praising the commitment of the showmen. "And even though I'm not a big friend of fast rides and I prefer ghost train rides, if at all, the Oktoberfest is characterized by this variety of offers," explained the head of Munich's Department for work and economy and thanked the senior citizens with Oktoberfest hearts made of chocolate.

You want to get to know the rides and attractions of the Oktoberfest? Here you can find them

Over half a century at the Oktoberfest

Edmund Radlinger, Chairman of the Munich Showmen's Association, added: "Here sit those who have made the Oktoberfest the largest and most beautiful folk festival in the world. Our thanks go to them!" This year, the achievements of Heinrich Meister (87 years old), former head of the Oktoberfest events department, Leo Winter (85 years old) from Fischhaus Winter and Erich Zimmermann (83 years old) from the food stand of the same name were particularly emphasized. The latter, for example, worked as a food seller on the Oktoberfest for 52 years. And also other showmen like Clauß Wolf reported: "After 60 years and many different rides on the Wiesn, I am glad that my son takes over. Today, for example, he runs the 'Flip Fly'". How nice for us that the showmanship outlasts generations...

Pictured above from left to right: Yvonne Heckl, Norbert Lange, Clemens Baumgärtner, Sabine Able, Manfred Zehle, Siegfried Able, Edmund Radlinger.