Episode #12
Hey! Michelle with a Mic: Prost to 50 Years: Chelsea York on the Magic of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
Prost! Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is celebrating 50 years, and Chelsea York is helping make this milestone year one to remember. Michelle sits down with Chelsea York, Events & Experiences Director at the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Cincinnati’s most beloved traditions and the largest Oktoberfest celebration in North America. From its humble beginnings in a downtown parking lot to the massive riverfront celebration it is today, Chelsea shares how Oktoberfest has grown while holding onto the traditions, community, and pure fun that have kept Cincinnati coming back for five decades. They talk about what’s new for the 50th anniversary, including a 30-foot-tall, human-powered Glockenspiel, a new VIP experience, a special anniversary lager, expanded shopping, and plenty of surprises. Plus, Chelsea gives Michelle the scoop on the traditions you can’t miss: the World’s Largest Chicken Dance, Running of the Wieners, stein-holding competitions, German music, incredible food and, of course, plenty of beer. But at the heart of Oktoberfest is something bigger: community. Chelsea shares why these festivals feel like a giant Cincinnati reunion—a place where strangers become friends, generations come together, and everyone is invited to raise a stein and join the celebration. Grab your lederhosen, practice your chicken dance, and get ready to say “Prost!” to 50 years of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.
