Posted by: Richie Bernardo

1. Main Findings
2. Methodology

Main Findings

Embed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/24327/geochart-oktoberfest.html" width="556" height="347" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:556px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="http://ift.tt/2jjwMz5;  

Overall Rank	City	Total Score	‘Oktoberfest Traditions’ Rank	‘Costs’ Rank	‘Safety & Accessibility’ Rank
97	Stockton, CA	34.75	90	87	62
98	San Bernardino, CA	34.26	71	84	99
99	Memphis, TN	34.00	93	51	98
100	Fremont, CA	32.10	94	100	33

Methodology

 

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• Kenneth J. Sher Curators' Distinguished Professor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri
• Martin O'Neill Bruno Endowed Professor and Head of the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management at Auburn University
• Katherine van Wormer Professor of Social Work in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Northern Iowa
• Brian Waters Lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University

Kenneth J. Sher Curators' Distinguished Professor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri How can local authorities promote safety and reduce alcohol-related accidents during Oktoberfest? There are a number of state and local policies that I assume would be relevant to Oktoberfest celebrations, including:

• Dram shop liability laws;

• Server training;

• Laws surrounding public intoxication;

• Laws surrounding open containers;

• DUI laws;

• Regulations surrounding underage drinking.

Enforcement of existing policy and disseminating knowledge of such policies to hosting (and surrounding) municipalities, businesses, and patrons would likely help promote safer celebrations and minimize harm. Here is an excellent website that tracks information on the above types of policies on a state-by-state basis. Martin O'Neill Bruno Endowed Professor and Head of the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality Management at Auburn University What tips do you have for celebrating Oktoberfest on a budget? I’d be thinking about actual breweries represented, accompanying food options and budget accommodation availability and accessibility. I’d also be thinking of those locations that are new to the concept, and embrace the local home brewing community, as well as craft brewing scene. These are typically much less commercial and have good entry and pricing options throughout. In evaluating the best cities for celebrating Oktoberfest, what are the top five indicators?

• Cost/ease of travel;

• Product variety;

• History;

• Entertainment options;

• Organization and safety.

What are some social and economic considerations for cities looking to host Oktoberfest celebrations? Economic -- certainly relates to cost of hosting alongside the income, employment and positive marketing generation, both in the short- and long-term. Social -- without doubt placement of the event, safety, overindulgence and non-invasiveness as it relates to local services and infrastructure; in other words, that the locals and visitors can blend seamlessly. There are also environmental considerations here in terms of site placement and waste generation. Local authorities need to be mindful of the footprint both during the event and at the disposal of waste and site restoration afterwards. How can local authorities promote safety and reduce alcohol-related accidents during Oktoberfest? Education and policing are central here. You can never overdo education when it comes to the responsible service and consumption of alcohol. Affordable and varied food options and plenty of water stations is also a great idea. Most importantly, make sure that all vendors are schooled in the responsible service of alcohol and have them prepared to cut folks off immediately they spot an overindulgence issue. A good local police presence should also help in this regard. Katherine van Wormer Professor of Social Work in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Northern Iowa In evaluating the best cities for celebrating Oktoberfest, what are the top five indicators? Oktoberfest is an excellent celebration which provides fun and celebration of ethnicity, at the same time. Also given that distilled liquor (hard liquor) is closely associated with overdoses and alcoholism, the focus on beer while having a good time can be seen as a healthy event. The best cities are the German cities, as far as interest in ethnicity is concerned, so that would be Cedar Falls, Des Moines and Iowa City in Iowa, and all the cities in Wisconsin, such as Madison. How can local authorities promote safety and reduce alcohol-related accidents during Oktoberfest? To promote safety, the key is not to beam the music too loudly, which encourages heavy drinking, keep a lookout for drunkenness, especially in youth groups, where there might be encouragement by peers to drink in excess. Some limitation on hours is also recommended. Encourage activities such as dancing, and forbid smoking, which will keep alcoholics away. Watch the cars to see that the drivers leaving are not inebriated. Brian Waters Lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University What tips do you have for celebrating Oktoberfest on a budget? Just remember that everything (food, beer, etc.) is usually much more expensive at any organized Oktoberfest. In evaluating the best cities for celebrating Oktoberfest, what are the top five indicators?

• A sizable German/Austrian immigrant population -- Oktoberfest is a German festival, so it makes sense that descendants of German immigrants would be more apt to celebrate Oktoberfest.

• Large and accessible public parks and fairgrounds -- Oktoberfest is celebrated outside and underneath the cover of large tents. Public park space and fairgrounds will help provide room for the celebration.

• A culture that is conducive to beer drinking -- a good Oktoberfest city should ideally have a great craft brew scene. Often, craft brewers make some great Märzen (the Oktoberfest beer) for organized Oktoberfest celebrations.

• Great police involvement -- a police department that is able to keep people safe while allowing the celebrations to go on really helps the enjoyment for all concerned.

What are some social and economic considerations for cities looking to host Oktoberfest celebrations? Cities looking to host Oktoberfest celebrations should first consider how well the celebrations will be attended by the public. In other words, there has to be a desire for such a celebration from the general public. Also, cities wishing to host Oktoberfest celebrations should have ample public space to host the celebrations. How can local authorities promote safety and reduce alcohol-related accidents during Oktoberfest? Local authorities can follow protocols that they have in place for policing large gatherings where alcohol is served (i.e., festivals, sporting events, concerts, etc.). Despite its reputation, the beer doesn't flow freely at Oktoberfest.

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