Three years ago, the organizers of Munich's Oktoberfest decided that they had to come up with something special for the 200th anniversary of the legendary beer blast .

Back in 1810 when it all started Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen organized a horse race for tbe people to celebrate their wedding.

So why not start off this year's event with a race on the Theresienwiese, bettwer known as Wiesn. It is the area named after the princess where Oktoberfest has been held ever since.

The festival runs from September 18 to Oktober 4. One of the attractions will be thoroughbred horse racing.

Twice a day, at 1 pm and 6 pm, visitors wil be able to watch Bavarian thoroughbred race horses such as Haflinger and Noriker. Munich Mayor Christian Ude will fire the oipening shot on Friday, September 17, at 12 noon.

"It is important for us to remember its origins," said Ude.

The historic festival will feature old carousels and even a 12-horse drawn Roman carriage.

The histotic tent holds 3500 persons inside nad another 3000 in the beer garden. Guests are allowed to bring their own chicken or sausages and have them prepared on the Wiesn.

Jubiläumsbeer, or festival beer, will be this year's special feature. It is being brewed by the six Munich breweries according to a secret recipe, and will be availabe for purchase after 730 p.m. for 8.80 euros per Mass.

The special brew won't be served in the usuan glass mugs, but in the traditional Keferloher, available for 35 euros.

germerica