University of Cincinnati cheerleaders perform early Saturday along with their band and dance team at this year's Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati (Jeff Swinger photos) | ZOOM |

        The smell of metts and the taste of authentic German beer are only a couple of the reasons that Matthew Stetson, wearing a white chicken hat, was spending the entire weekend at the nation's largest Oktoberfest.

        “I took off work for these two days,” said the 32-year-old airline pilot from Price Hill. “This is my Christmas.”

        He was among the more than 500,000 people expected to enjoy food, beer and music at Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati. The 27th annual event concludes today, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fifth Street downtown.

        For many, Saturday's celebration couldn't start early enough. Partygoers, many sporting University of Cincinnati or Ohio State garb, started visiting the dozens of food and drink booths before attending the afternoon football game at Paul Brown Stadium and the Reds games at Cinergy Field.

        The back-to-back sporting events were a big boost to attendance, said Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce spokesman Raymond Buse.

Mary Rotatori of Florence fits her daughter Madee Weaver, 3 with a garland from Edelweiss Garlands & Corsages during Oktoberfest | ZOOM |

        “We had a great influx of patrons right at the start of the event,” he said. “We're expecting with the weather and all the events that are surrounding it, that this will be this largest Oktoberfest ever.”

        German delicacies were a good opportunity for Marci Wesseler and her 12-year-old son Austin, both dressed in Buckeye gear, to grab pre-game food.

        “You get to eat stuff you don't normally get,” said the 32-year-old Delhi Township resident.

        Or to wear something different.

        Bill and Marie Stohlman of Lebanon both wore traditional German outfits to display their ancestry.

        “We come every year and we always enjoy ourselves,” he said. “There's plenty of heritage down here.”

IF YOU GO

What: 27th annual Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati    When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today    Where: Fifth Street, downtown, from Race Street to Broadway    Admission: Free    Food Prices: 50 cents-$11    Information: 579-3191    Schedule of Events: www.oktoberfest-zinzinnati.com    Sunday Highlights: Grand marshal and Austin Powers star Verne Troyer leads the Lowenbrau World's Largest Chicken Dance and Kazoo Band at 4 p.m. from the Chicken Dance Elmo Stage on Fountain Square.

        While his clothing might not have been as traditional, Gayle Settle was proud to display his blue-and-white, beer-mug hat from Oktoberfest in Munich two years ago.

        “This is a lot smaller,” the 69-year-old Crestview Hills resident said as he compared the celebrations. “But as far as a good time, I don't think you can beat this.”

        Munich's Oktoberfest started in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig I.

        Saturday, his descendant — Prince Luitpold von Bayern of Bavaria — was on hand at the Konig Ludwig Weiss Fest Tent to sign autographs and host the U.S. debut of his new brew.

        “I think they are enjoying it very well indeed,” he said. “(Cincinnati has) a very good German culture here with a lot of strong ties. ... I think it was a good location.”

        Celebrity sightings continue at 4 p.m. today when actor Verne Troyer leads the Lowenbrau World's Largest Chicken Dance and Kazoo Band. More than 20,000 free kazoos will be distributed.

        Saturday's music, headlined by Those Darn Accordions, helped keep the atmosphere enjoyable for Wayne Schulte. The Campbell Hall, N.Y., resident has been attending with his brother Doug, of Fort Thomas, for several years.

        “Oktoberfest holds a lot of fond memories for us,” said Wayne, 42. “It's a good time to hang out with family.”

        Families with young kids had little problem finding something to do, according to Maureen Lathrop. She and her husband Bruce brought their 2-year-old son John to ride several carnival rides.

        The family has attended every year since moving downtown from Chicago three years ago.

        The weekend is a can't-miss tradition for Linda and Don Bieve of Louisville as well. They booked their downtown hotel reservations right after last year's event.

        “It's just a lot of fun to be here,” she said. “Nobody throws a party like Cincinnati.”

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