Oktoberfest kicks off in downtown Albany

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Oktoberfest was held at the Empire State Plaza in Albany Wednesday morning. It's just one of the many celebrations' taking place throughout the Capital Region. The annual festival took place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and has been taking place at the plaza since the 1970s.

At this year's festival, those at the plaza celebrated with authentic German food from Mazzone Hospitality, and traditional music from Herbie and the Accord-A-Tones. The event also included a stein-holding contest, with a gift basket from the plaza gift shop for the winner.

OGS Associate Commissioner of Special Events & Visitor Services Kristin Hanifin said the festival is put on as a tribute to German culture and heritage.

"It is a tradition, and an annual event that we do," Hanifin said. "That is a little nod to the traditional Oktoberfest that happens in Munich every single year; that is really one of those big folk fest that happens.”

For nearly 50 years, the plaza has been hosting events that celebrate the rich cultures and diversity within the Capital Region and throughout the state. And some, like Jessica Kumar, who works close by the plaza, made sure to be a part of Oktoberfest.

"Whenever there was an event here, I’d like to come in because I think it’s really nice; it makes it feel like more of a community for the people that work here but also the people in a local community area," Kumar said.

The plaza celebration coincides with the major Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. The two-week festival dates back to 1810 as a celebration of Bavarian culture, beer, and food. More than 6 million people partake in Oktoberfest across the world every year.