CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thousands of people enjoyed a taste of Germany during Charlotte's 19th Oktoberfest on Saturday.
More than 70 breweries, cideries and wineries set up shop inside Bojangles Coliseum.
Ticketholders enjoyed unlimited samples and were given a collector's tasting glass.
Food vendors offered traditional German dishes, including bratwursts and pretzels.
Charlotte's Oktoberfest has raised more than $600,000 for local charities.
Event organizers worked with ridesharing apps Uber and Lyft to make sure everyone had a safe ride home.
"We always kid around and say we drink beer for a purpose, so there's no better way than to put on a beer festival,” organizer Matt Smith said. “Beer makes people happy. You can take the money you raise off of that, the proceeds, and turn around and give out college scholarships."
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