Okay, we know the name doesn’t exactly match it up with the calendar, but that doesn’t mean Columbus’ Oktoberfest is any less authentic.

Our local Oktoberfest, now in its third year at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, has it all: Bier Halls, Wine Gartens, the Kinderplatz kid’s area, the Marketplatz arts and crafts area, entertainment (including genuine German Polkas), and plenty of food. There will be Bahama Mamas, brats, frankfurters, fried bologna, sausage, sauerkraut, authentic German potato salad, and of course, the famous Schmidt’s cream puffs.

Any German-themed happening in Columbus includes Schmidt’s, the legendary staple sausage purveyors. But in this case, they’re aren’t just the star attraction, they’re the organizers. Since Schmidt’s is celebrating their 125th anniversary this year, special festivities will include cream puff eating contests, the LangStoneTossen event, where the men will throw 138-pound stones and the women a 75-pounder for distance. For once throwing your weight around will be a good thing. The Masskrugstemmen, loosely translated as “mass mug lifting,” challenges contestants not to spill a full liter of beer in a race against the clock. Contestants who complete the Third Annual Vier Miler/Brat Trot will win a stein of beer, a brat and a giant cream puff. Some great live entertainment will be on hand, including musical acts such as Brave Combo, Naked Karate Girls, Tommy Schober, Hank Haller, Klaberheads, Arnett Howard and more.

“My favorite thing to do is grab a beer and watch the fun,” said event organizer Sue Bump. “Friday night with the Naked Karate Girls is awesome – no karate, no naked and no girls, but a lot of great music.”

Mike Ross of Heidelberg Distributing shared the inside pour with (614) about the beers this year’s line up.

Paulaner Oktoberfest: Festive, hearty, amber colored Märzen Bier from Munich with a rich malty flavor that is slightly sweet and fruity, then exits with a final dryness. As per tradition, this crowd favorite is made especially for Oktoberfest and is only available between July and October.

Bitburger: A traditional German Pilsner brewed according to the German Purity Law, which features a full-bodied hoppy taste and a dry finish. Bitburger Premium Beer is Germany’s No. 1 draught beer.

Hofbräu Original: Hofbräuhaus is a longstanding symbol of Munich’s hospitality. Beer lovers from all over the world consider Hofbräu synonymous with the celebration of Oktoberfest. Full-bodied with an alcoholic content of approximately 5.1 percent by volume, and a truly fine hops aroma, it is a superbly well-balanced lager.

Brooklyn Oktoberfest: A light Märzen beer made with Bavarian Heirloom Munich and Pilsner Malts. “It is the first American beer to debut at Columbus Oktoberfest, which is exciting,” said Heidelburg Distributing representative Nicole Rouhana. “It tastes kind of like a top shelf version of Miller Lite.”

What is your beer IQ?

You have a one-minute to complete this test. Carefully read all of the parts of the test before doing anything. In order to ensure the accuracy of this exam, you should not use more than the allotted time. A perfect score means you are mature enough to drink responsibly and are ready for Oktoberfest. Good luck!  

1. Point to the picture of the beer stein and say, “Bringt mir ein Monster-sized-Bier!”

2. Draw a pair of lederhosen and shout: “Ich trage Leder im Bett.”

3. Demonstrate Masskrugstemmen.

4. Stand on one foot, look at the ceiling and say, “Ich bin nicht betrunken.”

5. After reading through the test as instructed DO NOT complete questions one through four. Just sit back have a good laugh and see who else is drinking too much to follow the directions.

Don your lederhosen and party like a German at the 2011 Columbus Oktoberfest September 23rd – 25th at the Ohio Expo Center. Admission is free. For more information visit, www.columbusoktoberfest.com.