BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Oktoberfest originally began in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage between Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen and Louis 1 of Bavaria... but nowadays, it serves more as a celebration of all things alcoholic. During the yearly festival in Munich, beer fanatics from around the world descend on the city for two weeks of games, music, dancing, and plenty of drinks. Unfortunately, the distance and cost of a trip to Germany keep many from participating in the main festivities themselves... but plenty of smaller celebrations have broken out across the world for those who want to enjoy Oktoberfest from the comfort of their communities, including right here in North Dakota. On Saturday, October 5th, one such group — the Muddy River Mashers — brought the event to Bismarck with a bevy of homemade brews. The Muddy River Mashers Homebrew Club was founded in 2008, and shortly after its inception, members decided they wanted to share their creations with other beer enthusiasts. This led to their first Oktoberfest event the following year. "This is our fifteenth year," says the event's chairperson, Adam Ryba. "It's our one and only fundraiser for the year. More than anything else, it's a get-together for people who like to brew beer. There's a lot of comradery that comes with being able to come here and show off what you've made." Since its original inception, the event become a staple of Bismarck's brewing community, and tickets are often sold out shortly after they become available. Over time, it has brought in more exhibitors and attendees alike — a fact that can be traced back to the rising popularity of independent brewing. One-Day ND Destinations: Excavating history at the Badlands Dinosaur Museum "There's a decent-sized community in Bismarck," Ryba continues. "I think a lot of what draws people to it is the ability to experiment. You get to try a lot of different things — different flavors, different styles, all that. It's kind of like the next logical step for someone who loves craft beer." "I think it's a lot like any hobby," says homebrewer Tanner Broderick. "You could equate it to something like making sausage. You can buy it from the store, sure, but anyone can also make their own, share it, and have some pride in their creation." During this year's celebration, six main stations (each hosting four unique brews) were set up in the Sertoma Club Community Center — where attendees could pay a flat $30 fee to sample everything the mashers had to offer. True to the creative nature of home brewing, the 2024 selection included everything from standard fare like blonde ale, fruit sours, and IPAs to more unique concoctions (such as aged imperial stout, pretzel and banana bread flavored beers, and 'milkshake' ale with hints of raspberry and graham crackers). "The biggest change I've seen over time is the types of beers on display," Broderick states. "Homebrewers can brew small batches of beer, so we have a lot of flexibility to try new things. You'll see a lot of variety at any festival like this." After sampling to their heart's content, guests could vote for any drink to receive the People's Choice Award. The winner of this esteemed title will have the opportunity to partner with Bismarck Brewing, where their beer will be featured on tap. However, even those who may not take home the grand prize can still learn plenty from the experience — if not through the responses of the public, then by learning more about what goes into an award-winning drink. In the end, the Muddy River Mashers' Oktoberfest celebration has the same goal as any other — to bring attendees and alcohol together under one roof, and welcome the coming season with a festival unlike anything else in the community. This, they claim, is what lies at the center of the art of home brewing... and likewise, what will keep both the hobby and the event going for many more years. "Ever since the boom in craft beer," Ryba adds, "people have loved to experiment and try new things. You get to meet new people, and taste new things you might not have come across otherwise." Weekend BRB: Meals and Wheels at Bismarck’s Food Truck Festival "The Mashers have been around before there were even breweries in Bismarck," concludes Broderick. "A lot of those started with our members. The community has grown with the breweries, and they in turn support the club. It's a great sense of community. There's just something about the change in season and our heritage that draws people in for a good afternoon at the park — rain, shine, or snow." The next Muddy River Mashers meeting will occur in Bismarck Brewing on October 23rd, at 7:00 p.m. No membership dues or preexisting experience is required. For more information on the group, visit their Facebook page here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW