We woke up for some breakfast and headed off towards the festival grounds. At the train station we meet a few more people staying at our campsite and went with them around the festival. It was a little late by the time we arrived (10:00) to get a spot at a table inside a beer hall. Most people had been sitting since 8:00 am to keep their seat. The opening day ceremonies do not start until noon. Everybody wants to get some of the first kegs, so all the halls get packed. Luckily for us, we had a German speaker with us. In one of the halls a younger German was saving seats for his friends and we were able to ask to join them. He said yes since there was plenty of space. It was extremely fortunate for us as it was probably the only spot in the whole festival grounds open. All the Germans were pretty fun to hang out with and just before noon the polka parade made their way onto the stage. Then the opening ceremony began with the deepest sounding corks I’ve heard being hit away from the beer barrels. About 45 minutes later our table had beer and was enjoying life. The Germans taught us some cheers and chants.
At 4:00 the entire tent was asked to turn out so a new group of people can fill it up. We all left and went around the festival. There were a few roller coasters we rode and some good food we ate. Matt and I had a stick fish which was an entire fish on a stick that had been roasted over charcoal. It was salty and delicious. Eventually we left the festival and went back to the campgrounds to sleep. It was a fun day.
