Cincinnati hosts a whole lot of festivals, especially during the summer. But if you're a true Cincinnatian, there's one particular celebration that always makes your mouth water. For four days, the entire city comes together to celebrate its very own mystery meat - Goetta.
Every year, during the first weekend of August, Cincinnatians flock to Newport's Riverfront Levee to celebrate their favorite breakfast meat at Glier's Goettafest.
What started as a small gathering in 2001 has grown into a huge party along the river, where everyone shares their love for Cincinnati's own breakfast delicacy.
So, the million dollar question... what is goetta?
Unless you're a Glier, you might never truly know. But we do know it is made up of pork, beef, seasonings, and pin oats. Some compare it to sausage, but it really deserves its own category in the breakfast world.
Goettafest is all about using the signature dish in creative ways.
You'll find everything from goetta loaded tater tots to a deep fried goetta cheese coney, and even goetta bread pudding. Be sure and come hungry.
Even if you don't happen to like goetta (gasp!), there's plenty of entertainment to keep you busy.
If you bring the kids, there will be face painting, inflatables, and several kid-friendly games.
This festival also knows how to party.
The festival has grown to include two stages - a Rock Stage and a Country Stage - that will host live music all day and into the night.
The sense of humor and quirkiness of this festival is part of what makes it purely Cincinnati.
Where else can you take a picture with a guy dressed up as a roll of goetta and then buy your own roll from a vending machine?
The food might be the excuse, but Goettafest is just another summer festival where Cincinnati comes alive. We unite in our love for the crispy, - yet somehow creamy - mystery meat that's just so purely Cincinnati.
Are you a fan of goetta? How many times have you been to Goettafest? Share your experience with us in the comments! Goettafest 2018 takes place on August 2nd - 5th. Event activities will be held Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from noon - 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon - 9 p.m. For more information on the festival, visit the Glier's Goettafest website here.
For more food festivals throughout Ohio, check out our recent article here.
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