The weather was glorious for the fifth gluten-free Oktoberfest in the Feststadl in Ascheim on 19 September. Around 500 people took part in the event.

The doors of the Feststadl in Aschheim opened at 11 o'clock. Various manufacturers had already set up their stalls to show off their new products. At 12 o'clock, representatives of the Munich Coeliac Self-Help Group and the chairman of the German Coeliac Society opened the event by ceremonially tapping a beer barrel. The chief brewer from Schnitzer tapped a wooden barrel full of gluten-free beer at precisely 12 o'clock. And the traditional cry of 'O'zapft is' (it's tapped) rang out across the Wies'n at the same time.

Patron Helmut Englmann, the Lord Mayor of Aschheim, then welcomed the many guests from near and far. Students from the Vocational Collage for Dietary Studies in Munich had also been busy in the kitchen. Everyone had the chance to fill up on gluten-free Bavarian delicacies and various kinds of gluten-free beer.

For dessert, there was gluten-free ice cream from an ice cream parlour in Munich. All this, plus the sounds of the 'Oberlandler' musicians, added up to a real Oktoberfest experience. There was an additional programme of presentations and exhibitions by the distributors and manufacturers of gluten-free products present.

There was also plenty to keep the children entertained: pony rides, face painting, balloons and a coconut shy - just right for the younger guests. There were also information stalls for the German Coeliac Society, the Youth Committee and the Munich Coeliac Self-Help Group, where there was ample opportunity for informative conversation.
Thanks to the generous donations of the exhibitors and other sponsors, there were also some wonderful prizes up for grabs on the tombola. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone once again for their efforts.

The atmosphere was fantastic and everyone had a great time.
"We'll be back!" was the resounding message from those taking part.

Sandra Schmolz
On behalf of the Munich and South Bavarian Coeliac Self-Help Group

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