How accessible is Oktoberfest? | 2 News listens to those attending the festival

TULSA, Okla. – Thousands flock to Oktoberfest to enjoy music, German delicacies and a sip of beer, but how accessible is the festival?

The large festival takes place at multiple sites on the west bank of the Arkansas River near 21st St. Some areas have paved walkways, but others are unpaved and not level.

Here, organizers said additional planning was needed.

For one man, the lack of accessibility has prevented him from attending the festival in recent years. That changed this year because he wanted to try it.

“When I first came here I was actually worried about accessibility,” wheelchair user Austin Ritter said.

When 2 News spoke with him, he was near some local craft stands. In his wheelchair, he said he got around Oktoberfest with ease.

“Everything is accessible, including the restrooms and food, where you want to sit with your friends,” Ritter said.

He is pleased that the event organizers have made the effort to improve accessibility. This also includes the temporary sidewalks in the off-road areas.

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“I'm sitting in a chair that weighs almost 500 pounds. They accommodate my weight very well, so it was actually very easy,” Ritter said.

2 News asked if he had any concerns about the accessibility of the festival.

“The only thing I could think of that would need a little adjustment is right where we're sitting right now, these booths that have in-person people selling their homemade products. “I'm not physically able to really reach her stands,” Ritter said.

He speaks of the curb in front of some stalls, which prevents him from getting closer.

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He said he would like to move closer to talk to the vendors, but the curb prevents that. He suggested that organizers add some ramps in these areas that wheelchair users can use.

We passed Ritter's suggestion on to John Hickey, a member of the Oktoberfest Board of Trustees.

“Well, I’m glad you brought that up. That was one of the things, that's the feedback we got from some people having difficulty getting to the vendor's tents, and we'll address that in the future,” Hickey said.

He said they have worked hard over the years to accommodate everyone attending the multi-day festival and he and the other board members are very proud of it.

“This festival is about community. And the community is the most important part of it and everyone in the community has the opportunity to access the festival and be a part of it and participate in it.” “Enjoying it makes us proud,” Hickey said.

One of the most important questions for Ritter was whether he would come back.

“Absolutely without a doubt. I couldn’t even think about not coming back,” Ritter said.

Organizers said they are always looking for more ways to be accessible and address issues like curbs.

If you have questions about accessibility for the Oktoberfest team, click here.

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