‘Michigan Bier Celebration, a taste of Oktoberfest’ coming to Frankenmuth, July 21

Author's note: Can you think of any place better, this side of the Atlantic, for an authentic German  Bier Festival other than Frankenmuth, Michigan? And if you've never been to Frankenmuth, you absolutely owe it to yourself to pay a visit to Michigan's "Little Bavaria." Better yet, one of the best campgrounds around is located just a stone's throw away at the Frankenmuth Jellystone Campground. Want more? Watch the above video from Pure Michigan, then read below for more about the first "Michigan Bier Celebration, a Taste of Oktoberfest."

Roll Out The Barrels…
The first "Michigan Bier Celebration, a Taste of Oktoberfest" will be held at the Harvey Kern Pavilion in Frankenmuth, Michigan on Saturday, July 21, from 1-11 p.m. The festival and beer tasting will be highlighting 15 Michigan Brewers along with about 12 select brewers from around the USA.

The event is being organized by Charity Celebration in cooperation with Frankenmuth Brewery as the major sponsor.

“Michigan craft beer lovers will get a sneak peak at more than two dozen “2012 Oktoberfest” brews expected to debut in Frankenmuth,” says Haithem Sarafa, executive director of Charity Celebration. “Visitors can sample the many different styles of this seasonal brew as well as other beer/cider products, many of which will be introduced into retail stores in early August.”

Live music will fill the air beginning at 1 p.m. and will showcase more traditional German music with the Steve Drzewicki Polka Band and the Fred Ziwich International Sound Machine along with DJ Litio filling in the changeovers throughout the festivities. The popular headliner FUNKTION will be performing from 9-11 p.m.

Advance General Admission to the festival is $10 ($12 at the door) which includes a souvenir 5 oz. plastic Oktoberfest boot, access to all entertainment/dancing, food and retail vendors. Advance VIP tickets are also available for $25 ($30 at the door) which will include early admission to the festival (noon), a souvenir 5 oz. plastic Oktoberfest boot, 8 beer tickets for sampling, $5 in food vouchers and access to all entertainment/dancing, food and retail vendors. Tickets and attendance will be strictly limited so purchase your tickets early. Additional beer sampling tickets may also be purchased at the event. Designated Driver tickets may be purchased the day of the event for $10 and you must be 21 or older to attend.

All proceeds from the Michigan Bier Celebration will go to charity with the Frankenmuth Rotary, Frankenmuth Beautification, Cass River Fund, Toys for Tots, Michigan Brewer’s Guild and other Michigan 501 c 3 charities expected to be some of the beneficiaries. Tickets for the event can be purchased on-line by going to www.CharityCelebration.Com or at the Frankenmuth Brewery located at 425 S. Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI 48734 (989-262-8300). For more information or if you would like to be a participant brewery, retailer or sponsor, please contact Chuck Osberger at 248-930-9440 or email: cosberger@CharityCelebration.com

About the Frankenmuth Brewery
The Frankenmuth Brewery, founded in 1862, is the second oldest brewery in the country. It now operates as a micro-brewery/restaurant serving casual classic American fare as well as featuring a river view banquet/entertainment facility with full service beer, wine and liquor selections. The Frankenmuth Brewing Company provides high value appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees, award winning hand-crafted old-world beer and exceptional customer service. http://www.FrankenmuthBrewery.com