Cannstatter Volksfest (25 September)

The end of September brings the Cannstatter Volksfest to Stuttgart. It's often referred to as the second largest Oktoberfest in Germany. Most people go to Munich to experience the "real" Oktoberfest, but Stuttgart's fest is quite large too. We have gone to the fest in past years, but this year we decided to go see the parade too. Our neighbors went too, so Elly thought it was the best day ever (she loves their three kids). It was a really nice experience. The parade was beautiful and so different than the average parade in the states. It was much more "earthy" here. Decorations for the floats were mainly fruits of the harvest. Lots of grapes, cabbages, wheat and flowers. Very pretty! So, here are some pictures from our day...

This is the latest "smile" I get from Elly. What a little goober!

The Cannstatter Volksfest mascot.

These guys were just watching the parade, but ran in during a break to make this pyramid. No doubt they had been drinking quite a bit already.

Look at all those beautiful grapes!! This is the first parade I've been too where grapes, wine and beer were passed out in place of candy. We must be in Germany!

Since this fest does focus on beer, different breweries had their horses and wagons in the parade. The horses are beautiful!

Sam getting a sample of beer.

Elly was happy as can be sitting with the kids watching the parade. She loves them.



After the parade, we went to the fest and had lunch in one of the beer tents. These tents are huge and seat several thousand people. It can get rather rowdy at night, but we were there early in the day, so I didn't mind taking Elly in. The music was very loud though which made talking with each other almost impossible.

It's not possible to get a beer any smaller than this in the tents. Seriously. Sam asked at one point and they looked at him like he was crazy.

Elly and the girls were watching Sam and Aiden on the bumper cars.

There's that cheesy grin again :) We were in an enclosed ferris wheel with Dana, Audrey and Linnea and Elly was a very happy little girl.

A view of the fest grounds from up in the ferris wheel.

Elly and Linnea on a ride.

Dana and the kids at the end of the day. What is a day at the fest without cotton candy?!