Tulsa's Oktoberfest Wraps Up Record Run

By Chris Wright, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The annual Oktoberfest festival wrapped up a record-setting run Sunday. The festival set all-time highs for revenue on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and rebounded from a gloomy Saturday with an ideal final day.

10/21/10 Related story: Fall Favorite Oktoberfest Underway At Riverwest Park

Party-goers, some filled with liquid courage, arrived at the River West Festival Park with a sense of purpose Sunday.

"We got our turkey leg and our beer and we're ready to go do the chicken dance," said one festival goer.

Most accomplished their mission inside the big tent. Oktoberfest organizers say they have a reason to dance as well.

After experiencing some tough luck with the weather in recent years, with the exception of Saturday, 2010 boasted ideal festival conditions. Sunday was perfect for those who enjoy mixing beer and roller coasters.

"Woke up today and saw the weather was great. It was a great feeling. For a Sunday, this is a big crowd," said Scott Mitchell of the Oktoberfest Executive Committee.

The crowds translated to some record-setting days. Oktoberfest raked in more cash than it ever has on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the big seller of course being beer.

Oktoberfest volunteers are paid in beer. Vendors, on the other hand, are trying to make a living at these festivals.

Awesome Tie Dyes classifies 2010 as a pretty groovy year. If not for Saturday's rain, the t-shirt makers say it could have been even better.

"You do get a good day like this; it can make up for all the bad weather. So days like this really help." Said Awesome Tie Dyes Vendor Larry Crawford.

It's good news that may come in handy when those hangovers kick in on Monday.