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As New York museums acknowledge Nazi-looted artwork, possible disagreement is raised

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In the wake of last month’s legislation requiring museums in New York to acknowledge art stolen by Nazis, a possible disagreement over a certain piece has been brought up, according to one report.

In August, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law that requires museums to put up signs identifying pieces that were looted by the Nazis from 1933 to 1945, the Associated Press (AP) reported. 

It is estimated that 600,000 paintings were stolen from Jewish people during World War II, according to a press release from the New York Department of Financial Services.

NEW LAW REQUIRES NY MUSEUMS TO ACKNOWLEDGE ART STOLEN UNDER NAZIS

Approximately 53 pieces in New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art have been identified by the museum as having been taken or sold under duress by the Nazis, according to the museum website. 

Despite the fact that those objects were returned to their rightful owners before they were obtained by the museum, the Met will still put up signs explaining their history, the AP reported.

NEW JERSEY PINBALL MUSEUM TAKES VISITORS BACK IN TIME

Andrea Bayer, the Met’s deputy director for collections and administration told the AP: “People should be aware of the terrible cost to people during World War II as these confiscations took place, and how these peoples’ treasures that they loved and had been in their families, had been torn from them at the same time their lives were disrupted.”

An oil on canvas 1695 painting by Dutch artist Jan Weenix, “Gamepiece with a Dead Heron” – acquired in 1950 by the Metropolitan Museum of Art – is shown on exhibition at the museum. The painting is among 53 works in the museum’s collection, once looted during the Nazi era, but returned to their designated owners before being obtained by the museum. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

SUNKEN JEWELS, BURIED TREASURE UNCOVERED IN THE BAHAMAS FROM ICONIC 17TH CENTURY SPANISH SHIPWRECK

The Met told the AP that it does not plan to put up a sign on “The Actor,” a painting by Picasso that the museum received in 1952 as a gift. 

The painting was owned by Jewish businessman Paul Leffmann, who sold the painting for $13,200 in 1938 to a Paris art dealer as he was fleeing Germany, AP reported.

In 2016, Leffmann’s great-grandniece, Laurel Zuckerman, sued the museum for $100 million because the painting was allegedly sold under duress, Reuters reported at the time. 

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A court later dismissed the lawsuit, but Lawrence Kaye, one of the lawyers who represented Zuckerman, told the AP that the Met should still publicly recognize the painting’s disputed past.

“I believe the law would cover this piece,” Kaye told the AP. “It was dismissed on technical grounds and I believe under the broad definition of what this law means under the statute, it should be covered.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Universal Orlando’s ‘Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle’ returns ahead of Halloween

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Universal Orlando in Florida is celebrating fall by bringing back its “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” event.

The annual event – held in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade area of the theme park – will run on select nights starting Sept. 16 through Oct. 31, according to a press release.

The “Dark Arts” experience – which will begin at dusk – includes a light show with special effects and projection mapping on the Hogwarts castle.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO ANNOUNCES NEW HARRY POTTER ROLLER COASTER

Guests will be able to see images of “unspeakable creatures and sinister villains” – such as dementors, mountain trolls and even Lord Voldemort – appear on the castle, the press release said.

The “Dark Arts” experience will show images of dementors, mountain trolls and even Lord Voldemort on the side of the Hogwarts castle. (NBCUniversal)

Meanwhile, Death Eaters – the name of Lord Voldemort’s followers – will appear in Hogsmeade and walk among guests.

DOLLY PARTON’S DOLLYWOOD WINS 3 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS

The spectacle will end when a Patronus, “a powerful defense charm of concentrated happiness and hope” appears on the castle, the press release said. 

Death Eaters in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade

During the “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” event, Death Eaters will walk among the guests.  (NBCUniversal)

Fans can also buy Dark Arts-themed merchandise – including a Death Eater mask – when they visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, according to the press release.

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Dolly Parton’s Dollywood wins 3 Golden Ticket Awards

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Dollywood is bringing home the gold. 

Dolly Parton’s theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, recently won three awards from industry magazine Amusement Today. 

Amusement Today awarded Dollywood with Golden Ticket Awards for three categories: Best Kids’ Area, Best Guest Experience and Best Christmas Event of 2021, according to a press release from Dollywood.

DOLLY PARTON ANNOUNCES NEW ROLLER COASTER ATTRACTION AT DOLLYWOOD THEME PARK

“We’re proud of the recognition we receive because it means we’re doing well at what we want to do – take care of the great folks who come to visit our park year after year,” Dolly Parton said in a statement. 

Dollywood has won the Best Guest Experience category – which focuses on friendliness, cleanliness and value – three years in a row, with the exception of 2020 when awards were not presented, the press release said. 

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Similarly, the theme park has won the Best Kids’ Area, for the Wildwood Grove area of the park, for the last three years that Golden Ticket Awards were given out.

The Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood event – an annual Dollywood tradition – has won 14 consecutive Golden Tickets for the Best Christmas Event, the theme park press release said. 

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In total, Dollywood was a finalist in seven categories, according to the theme park’s press release.

Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, recently won three Golden Ticket Awards given by industry publication Amusement Today.  (George Rose/Getty Images)

Aside from the top three prizes, Dollywood took runner-up for the Most Beautiful Park category, second place for the Best Food, and second place in the Best Park category.

Two of Dollywood’s roller coasters were also recognized by the Amusement Today Golden Ticket Awards. 

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The Lightning Rod ride was ranked in 11th place on the list of top 50 steel roller coasters of 2022, while the Thunderhead ride was ranked in 10th place on the list of top 50 wooden roller coasters of 2022, according to the rankings on the Golden Ticket Awards website.

Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards were announced on Saturday at a ceremony at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, according to a press release from Dollywood.

The Golden Ticket Awards are calculated based on a detailed, international survey conducted by Amusement Today, according to the press release. 

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American woman killed by shark while snorkeling in the Bahamas

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An American tourist was killed by a shark during a vacation in the Bahamas, according to local authorities.

The 58-year-old woman was on a snorkeling trip with her family when she was fatally maimed by a bull shark.  

“It is further reported that family members observed a bull shark attacking the female,” police said, according to Reuters. Tour company employees and family members rushed to rescue the woman.

The victim, who was a Pennsylvania resident, was taken a local hospital and declared dead. Police say that her upper body sustained injuries.

SHARK SIGHTINGS PLAGUE BEACHES NATIONWIDE OVER THE WEEKEND

FILE- A bull shark gets up close to inspect divers during an eco-tourism shark dive off of Jupiter, Florida, on May 5, 2022.  (Joseph Prezioso/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

The woman and her family were passengers on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas cruise. According to Royal Caribbean International, it was an independent shore excursion.

The incident took place off the island of Green Cay, which is a half mile away from Rose Island – where a 21-year-old American woman was killed in a shark attack in 2019.

SUMMER SHARK SIGHTINGS CONTINUE TO SPIKE ON EAST COAST

Royal Caribbean International confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital. 

“It’s just an unfortunate situation,” Royal Bahamas Police Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings said at a news conference.

Picture of a cruise ship in the ocean

Royal Caribbean International said it is “providing support and assistance” to the shark attack victim’s family. (Royal Caribbean)

“Royal Caribbean International is providing support and assistance to the guest’s loved ones at this time,” a spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “Harmony of the Seas is currently on a 7-night cruise that sailed from Port Canaveral, Fla., on Sunday, Sept. 4.”

The incident comes a month after an 8-year-old British boy was attacked by three nurse sharks in the Bahamas. 

Exterior view of Bahamas island

The victim was rushed to a nearby island, where she was pronounced dead.  (EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)

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“My son could have been killed,” the boy’s father, Michael Downer, said. “It was like a scene out of Jaws.”

Reuters contributed to this report.

Twitter users react to TSA screening bald eagle at North Carolina airport: ‘He is gorgeous!’

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That’s one majestic traveler. 

TSA agents at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina recently screened a bald eagle named Clark who was traveling with his handler.

On Thursday, the Twitter account for the TSA Southeast region posted pictures of Clark as he and his handler went through the security line.

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“TSA officers are used to seeing an eagle on their uniform as they look over their shoulder, but I’m sure the team at @CLTAirport Checkpoint A did a double take when they saw a real one earlier this week,” the agency tweeted. 

A bald eagle named Clark recently went through airport security at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.  (TSA Southeast)

“Our special guest was Clark the Eagle with the World Bird Sanctuary, who decided to give his wings a break and fly commercial,” the agency said in a second tweet. “His airline notified us and we screened him and his handler.”

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The tweet continued: “Clark is trained to spread his wings, and even showed off a bit during screening.”

Clark the bald eagle spreading his wings

Clark travels around the country to fly at events such as university convocations and baseball games.  (TSA Southeast)

People who responded to the tweets were in awe of the bird.

“Beautiful breathtaking,” one person tweeted.

Another wrote: “He is gorgeous!”

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Clark was traveling home to the World Bird Sanctuary after flying at the High Point University convocation ceremony to welcome the incoming freshman class, according to the sanctuary’s Facebook page.

Clark is one of four bald eagles that travels around the country to fly at different venues and events, according to the World Bird Sanctuary website. 

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The website says that Clark hatched in 2002 at the World Bird Sanctuary as part of a project that bred then-endangered bald eagles to return them to the wild. 

Clark was hatched with scale deformities on his feet that would have made them unprotected from cold temperatures in winter, so he stayed at the sanctuary while his siblings were all released, the website says. 

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Fireworks safety tips: Avoid injury on the Fourth of July by taking precautions

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Every Fourth of July, and the days leading up to it, the night sky is lit up by a colorful array of fireworks. 

Families from across the country settle into a comfy spot on a blanket, a bleacher or even a boat to catch a Fourth of July fireworks display. 

The tradition of setting off fireworks on the holiday is one that dates back to 1777, when the first Fourth of July fireworks beamed through the sky. 

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Unfortunately, the beautiful sight can also be dangerous if fireworks are not properly handled. 

As many Americans look forward to celebrating the Fourth of July with family and friends, injuries associated with lighting fireworks have become all too common.

Fourth of July fireworks are a staple of the holiday. While they can burst beauty in the sky, they can also cause injury and, in some cases, death if not handled properly. (iStock)

In 2023, there were 800 injuries from firecrackers and 700 from sparklers, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) annual report; and 66% of total injuries that occurred happened in the weeks before and after the Fourth of July.

The CPSC said that 42% of injuries last year were burns, with 35% happening in the hands and fingers. 

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In 2023, there were 9,900 individuals treated in the ER for firework injuries and eight deaths from fireworks, according to the source.

As far as age group is concerned, teens 15 to 19 years old had the highest estimated rate of treated fireworks injuries by the emergency department, according to the CPSC, with the 5 to 9 age group following behind. 

Red, white and blue fireworks lighting up the sky

When lighting fireworks, be sure to keep a safe distance while they shoot into the sky. (iStock)

Sparklers are another Fourth of July staple that should be used with great care. The temperature of a sparkler can get up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, CPSC has noted, making it a product that could cause injury if not used with caution. 

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If you have young kids, consider opting for a glow stick instead of a sparkler for safe Fourth of July fun. 

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If you plan on buying fireworks for the holiday, first ensure that it is legal to do so in your state. Each state has different laws for fireworks, mainly in terms of the type you buy. The only state where all consumer fireworks are banned as of 2024 is Massachusetts, according to World Population Review.

Silhouettes of people holding up sparklers

Sparklers can be dangerous when not used safely. (iStock)

Here are fireworks safety tips laid out by the National Safety Council to keep in mind this Fourth of July and any time you are lighting fireworks. 

  • Don’t allow young children to handle fireworks
  • If older children are lighting, ensure they are doing so under adult supervision
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Use protective eyewear when lighting or in proximity to where fireworks are being lit
  • Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
  • Never light fireworks indoors
  • Only use them away from people, houses and flammable materials
  • Never point or throw fireworks or sparklers at another person
  • Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
  • Never ignite devices in a container

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  • Do not try to re-light or handle a faulty firework
  • Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding them to avoid potential fires
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
  • Never use illegal fireworks

TSA on Thanksgiving Day foods you can fly with, plus a celebrity chef’s take on items that travel well

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Holidays, especially Thanksgiving Day, are some of the most popular times of the year for Americans to travel.

Families and individuals travel by car, bus, cruise ship and plane annually, sometimes across the country for a quick Turkey Day trip.

While it is always more convenient to travel alone, families tend to plan their trips with the whole gang while school is out and work is winding down. Thus, resulting in the busiest holiday travel weekend of the year.

Packing will require the everyday essentials — but you might also consider taking food to or from your trip.

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Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest travel weekend of the year. Traveling with the essentials is a given, but if you plan to bring or take Thanksgiving food items with you, be mindful of TSA rules. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Whether you’re sharing in your culture with others by way of food, filling your bag with edible gifts for hosts, or taking leftovers home — especially on a short flight – be aware of what foods and drinks you can and cannot bring through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints.

“Whether first-run foods or leftovers, the same rules apply,” the TSA said in a statement to Fox News. 

A general overview of perishables you can take with you can be found on the TSA’s website. The six-page list of permitted food items is available on the TSA’s dedicated “What Can I Bring?” webpage.

But you might be wondering, specifically, about Thanksgiving Day staple items like mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey and dessert.

“Anytime I have traveled during Thanksgiving, not sure it’s allowed, but left over turkey sandwiches are always good to eat with a lot of mayonnaise,” Dante Boccuzzi, chef and owner of a diverse lineup of restaurants in Cleveland, told Fox News Digital.

Boccuzzi recommends keeping the turkey and mayo combo refrigerated up until leaving, and then enjoying the leftovers while waiting to board.

“Apple pie probably would be another staple item that would travel well,” Boccuzzi added. “Any other item most likely could travel well for a short period of time if you are able to vacuum pack it.”

The TSA told Fox that no matter the food you choose to travel with, you should ensure the items follow this simple rule.

“If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, and it is in a quantity greater than 3.4 ounces, pack it in a checked bag,” the TSA said.

“For example, jams, jellies, cranberry sauce, gravy or beverages in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces should go in a checked bag. Cakes, cookies, pies, meats, casseroles and other solids can travel in carry-on luggage in unlimited quantities.”

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Thanksgiving foods that can be carried through TSA checkpoints

    • Homemade or store-bought baked goods
    • Frozen, cooked or uncooked meats
    • Casseroles
    • Mac ‘n Cheese cooked in a pan
    • Fresh vegetables
    • Fresh fruits
    • Candy
    • Spices

Each airline passenger is allowed to pack a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in a single carry-on bag; however, individual containers cannot exceed 3.4 ounces. 

This rule extends to beverages, spreads and cooking sprays.

The TSA recommends packing away any liquid-like substance in a bag that will be checked-in. 

If travelers manage to find a liquid cooking essential that fits under the 3.4-ounce container threshold, it can be placed inside a clear quart-sized resalable bag within a carry-on bag.

Alcoholic beverages containing an alcohol content of more than 70% (more than 140 proof) are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage, a TSA spokesperson told Fox News.

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Thanksgiving foods that should be packed in checked baggage

    • Homemade or canned cranberry sauce
    • Homemade or packaged gravy (jar/can)
    • Wine, champagne or sparking apple cider
    • Canned fruit or vegetables
    • Preserves, jams or jellies
    • Maple syrup

Almost every solid food item is permissible as a carry-on or checked article, including cooked, uncooked or store-bought meals and powders. 

For foods that require refrigeration or freezing to prevent foodborne illness, ice packs are allowed, but they must remain frozen completely solid by the time you reach a TSA checkpoint.

“Frozen turkey soup would also be great to travel with if it’s not considered a liquid if frozen,” Boccuzzi said. “I would avoid any raw products.”

On longer flights, dry ice can be used — but it cannot exceed 5.5 pounds per passenger and the packaging should be clearly marked and vented according to FAA procedures, the TSA’s spokesperson told Fox News.

Flammable items are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage for safety reasons. 

Cake sparklers are not allowed on flights, either, which fall under the same category as fireworks, according to the FAA.

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Last but not least, to ensure you have an easier time getting your Thanksgiving food through checkpoints, the TSA recommends using clear plastic bags and similar containers.

That way, items can be safely removed from carry-on bags when inspection is required.

Fox News’ Alexandria Hein contributed to this report.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Symptoms, treatment and prevention

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Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria transmitted to humans via tick bites. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that “most people who get sick with RMSF will have a fever, headache, and rash. RMSF can be deadly if not treated early with the right antibiotic.”

Explore its causes, symptoms, treatment, diagnosis and prevention methods, for a better understanding of the tick-borne illness and how to protect against it.

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What causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever? 

RMSF is primarily caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. 

The American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick and brown dog tick are common carriers. 

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is primarily caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, transmitted when an infected tick bites a person. (Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images)

What is the survival rate of those with Rocky Mountain spotted fever?

The overall survival rate for RMSF is high when the disease is diagnosed and treated promptly. 

However, the National Library of Medicine warns that “delayed treatment may lead to mortality rates as high as 20% to 30%.”

The use of doxycycline, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, has been effective in treating RMSF.

Can you fully recover from Rocky Mountain spotted fever?

With timely treatment, individuals with RMSF can often fully recover. 

Yet if it is not treated promptly or if there are delays in diagnosis, “the bacteria can cause damage to blood vessels throughout the body leading to organ and tissue damage,: the CDC states on their website. 

In such cases, the prognosis for “RMSF can be fatal, even in previously healthy people. If not treated correctly, death can often occur within eight days of symptoms starting.”

How are you diagnosed with Rocky Mountain spotted fever? 

The diagnosis of RMSF presents challenges due to its nonspecific early symptoms. 

Nevertheless, an accurate assessment involves a clinical evaluation, blood tests and consideration of the patient’s exposure to tick-infested areas. 

Early detection is key to preventing severe complications.

Is Rocky Mountain fever Lyme disease?

No, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is not Lyme disease. While both illnesses are tick-borne and share some similarities in terms of symptoms, they are caused by different bacteria.

“Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks,” according to the CDC. 

Where is Rocky Mountain spotted fever most commonly found?

RMSF is most commonly found in the United States. Contrary to its name, it is not limited to the Rocky Mountain region. It has been reported throughout various states, including North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and Missouri. 

It is essential to be aware of tick exposure and take preventive measures in areas where RMSF is prevalent.

What are the symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever? 

“Symptoms usually develop over a few days, starting with fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle pains,” according to Cleveland Clinic. RMSF symptoms start two days to two weeks after a tick infects you with the disease, making it challenging to differentiate from other illnesses. 

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As the disease progresses, a distinctive spotted rash often appears, starting on the wrists and ankles and spreading to the rest of the body. “The rash develops within three days in about 50% of people,” Cleveland Clinic continues. 

How do you prevent Rocky Mountain spotted fever? 

Proactive steps to prevent RMSF involve minimizing exposure to ticks. Wearing long sleeves, using tick repellents, and conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities can significantly reduce the risk. 

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By understanding Rocky Mountain spotted fever’s causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and geographical distribution, individuals can take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities from this potentially severe tick-borne illness.

Madeline Farber contributed reporting.

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5,600,000 liters of beer were consumed at Oktoberfest in 2022, but what about 2023?

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If you have even the faintest interest in beer, you’ll know that brew lovers from around the world gather each year in Munich, Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest. 

The 16-18 day drink fest, depending on the year, serves only beers that conform to German purity regulations (the Reinheitsgebot) and are brewed within the city limits of Munich.

If you aren’t lucky enough to make it to the Bavarian capital, don’t worry. There are plenty of Oktoberfest events in the U.S. where you can raise a pint. 

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But Germany’s original fest is a bucket list item for many.

Read on to learn just how massive it is and as they say in Munich, Prost. 

Oktoberfest is a multi-day celebration in Munich, Germany. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

  1. The first Oktoberfest was in 1810
  2. In 2022, 5.6 million liters of beer were poured at Oktoberfest
  3. Oktoberfest is not really in October
  4. Beer is made specifically for Oktoberfest
  5. Over 4,000 items wind up in the lost and found each year
  6. Only beer from six breweries are sold
  7. Thousands squeeze into Oktoberfest beer tents
  8. There is plenty of food at Oktoberfest
  9. The mayor drinks first

1. The first Oktoberfest was in 1810

In 1810, the very first Oktoberfest took place in Munich, Germany, but it was not the beer fest it is today. 

The first Oktoberfest in 1810 was actually to honor Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. 

Residents across Munich were invited to attend the event, 

2. In 2022, 5.6 million liters of beer were poured at Oktoberfest

If you’re wondering how much beer is consumed by the six million people that attend Oktoberfest each year — it’s a lot.

To be precise, in 2022, it was 5.6 million liters of beer, according to Statista. 

In 2019, it was 7.3 million liters; and in 2018 it was 7.5 million liters. 

In 2014, Oktoberfest saw a record-breaking year with 7.7 million liters poured.

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It’s unclear exactly how many liters of beer will be poured at Oktoberfest in 2023, but it’s clear millions and millions are expected to be consumed. In 2022, there was a clear decline in poured beer at Oktoberfest, in fact, it saw the lowest number of pints served since 2001.

Man spilling beer

There are over 1.8 million gallons of beer consumed by Oktoberfest visitors each year. (Philipp Guelland/Getty Images)

3. Oktoberfest is not really in October

Well, kind of. Oktoberfest primarily occurs in September. The exact dates of the event vary slightly depending on the year, but it typically starts around Sept. 15 and runs just a couple of days in October, usually ending around the third.

4. Beer is made specifically for Oktoberfest

The beer served at Oktoberfest is made exclusively for the festival. All the beers have around 6% ABV and are served in one liter mugs.

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5. Over 4,000 items wind up in the lost and found each year

At Oktoberfest, with so many in and out of the festival, it’s expected there will be items life behind.

Beer at Oktoberfest

Six breweries serve beer at Oktoberfest. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

Each year, thousands of people leave behind the usual, wallets, keys, IDs and sunglasses. 

Among the stranger items that have been left behind year after year are wheelchairs and dentures.

6. Only beer from six breweries are sold

The only beer that is sold at Oktoberfest is beer brewed within the city limits. 

There are six breweries to sell their beer at the event. 

The six beers sold at Oktoberfest come from Hacker Pschorr, Spaten, Hofbräu, Augustiner, Paulaner and Löwenbräu.

7. Thousands squeeze into Oktoberfest beer tents

Beer mugs at Oktoberfest

Beer at Oktoberfest is sold in large liter glasses. (iStock)

At Oktoberfest, there’s a lot of standing, as there are fewer seats than there are visitors. The largest Oktoberfest beer tent of all time was the Pschorr-Brau-Rosl-tent in 1913, which held 12,000 people. Today, the Hofbrau-Festhalle hosts the largest tent, with 10,000 seats. But you better get there early.

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These tents fill up fast, but reservations can be made to secure your seat.

8. There is plenty of food at Oktoberfest

There is a variety of traditional, hearty fare to be had at Oktoberfest. 

Offerings include Hendl (roast chicken), Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Haxn (pork knuckle), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Wurstl (sausages), Brezn (pretzel), Knodeln (potato or bread dumplings), Kaasspotzn (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Sauerkraut or Rotkraut (pickled red cabbage), Obatzda (a fatty, spiced cheese-butter concoction) and Weisswurst (white sausage).

9. The mayor drinks first

A beer tent at Oktoberfest

Beer tents at Oktoberfest hold thousands of guests at a time and fill up quickly. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

Oktoberfest can not officially begin until the major opens the first keg. 

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The festival officially begins with the mayor saying “O’ zapft” and popping open the first keg of the event during the ceremony on the first day. 

After this, the drinking begins.

Overcome your fear of flying with these calming tips

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It’s an opportunity most people take for granted: the ability to book a plane ticket, board a flight and enjoy a vacation without being plagued by a fear of flying.

For trips of long distances, flying is typically the ideal way to go — but a fear of flying could leave you staying behind while others are making memories.

When traveling, the journey is half the battle.

10 WAYS TO TRAVEL LIKE A PRO FOR A WORRY-FREE TRIP 

And if you find yourself filled with nervousness during a flight, or are passing up on trips completely to avoid having to set foot on a plane, here are tips that can help give you the confidence to fly to any destination. 

A fear of flying can greatly impact a vacation. Try some wise tips to reach a place of comfort with flying.  (iStock)

  1. Meet the pilot before takeoff
  2. Focus on different objects
  3. Bring things to distract yourself while in flight
  4. Spend the flight asleep
  5. Be strategic with seat choice
  6. Learn about the aircraft
  7. Put trust in your travel buddy

1. Meet the pilot before takeoff

Captain Tom Bunn, a retired pilot and licensed therapist, established SOAR, a program aimed at helping everyone fly successfully, in 1982. He’s since assisted thousands of people as they conquer their fear. 

Bunn said there is a series of steps he works on with his clients. He encourages them to first try to meet the pilot when boarding.

“Giving up control is a major issue, and if you can meet the person that has the control, it’s kind of like then you have a kinship with the person who does have the control,” Bunn said. “You find out they’re real — not just a voice.”

Airplane cockpit

Sharing a short exchange with the pilot pre-flight can help you feel better about the experience, said one expert. (iStock)

2. Focus on different objects 

Focusing on your breathing with different meditation techniques is another way to calm the nerves.

There is a specific exercise that Bunn encourages clients to practice to lower stress hormones once they build up. 

“It’s an exercise I call ‘5, 4, 3, 2, 1,’” Bunn said. “You will first find something to focus on more or less straight ahead and use that as your focus point.”

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Count five things you can see, hear and touch, said the captain. Then, count to four things you can see, hear and touch — and so on down until you get to one.

“It takes about two minutes and by the time you do that — the stress hormones are pretty much gone, maybe totally gone,” Bunn said. 

“And the particular thing about stress hormones is that when they’re kicking around, it forces you to focus on something that’s problematic. So if you keep focusing on it, you increase stress hormones. But if you can get rid of the stress hormones by using the ‘5, 4, 3, 2, 1’ — then your mind is free to focus where you want to.”

A young boy watching a movie on a plane

If you like watching movies or TV shows to pass the time, bring a device on the plane that allows you to do so. Some planes have built in TVs in the backs of each chair. Either way, make sure you bring along compatible headphones. (Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images)

3. Bring things to distract yourself during the flight 

Being distracted can help you forget that you are even on a plane. Bring things with you on the plane that you know you will enjoy and can spend a lot of time using. 

For example, if there are movies or TV shows you have been wanting to watch, download them to your phone or other electronic device so that they are ready to go when you’re on the plane. This can kill a lot of time during the flight. Just make sure to pack yourself headphones, too!

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Books are another great thing to bring on flights, as well as crosswords and coloring books. 

If you are traveling with someone else, you could also bring a card game to play together. 

4. Spend the flight asleep 

Falling asleep on a plane can be really difficult, especially if you are feeling anxious, but there are different things you can bring to make it easier to fall asleep. 

First, one thing that makes sleeping on a plane easier is if you have a flight really early in the morning or late at night. At these times, you’ll both be more tired and the plane will be darker, making it easier to fall asleep. 

A mother and daughter asleep on a plane

Get some sleep on your flight. Just be careful not to accidently fall asleep on other passengers. (Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Also, bring a travel pillow and a blanket with you for extra comfort. 

If you have headphones handy, you can also play calming sounds on your phone to help you fall asleep. 

5. Be strategic with seat choice 

Book your flight early, before the seats start to fill, so you can choose a seat that may help you put your mind at ease. 

If you sit toward the back of the plane, that area is typically going to be louder, and there’s going to be a lot more movement with people passing you to use the bathroom. 

On the other hand, if you sit in the front sections, it will generally be a lot more peaceful and more quiet.

6. Learn about the aircraft

Taking time to do research about planes before getting on one can help you be more confident for your flight. 

Look into how planes function and the safety features that are in place. This basic understanding of aircraft could make a big difference for you during your travels and help you feel safer when you are in the air. 

Three Jet Blue airplanes

Familiarizing yourself with planes and how they work could help you feel better during the flight. (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

When it comes to the stats, there is a very small chance of a plane crash happening. The chances of dying in a crash are actually about one in 11 million, according to many sources. 

Another scary factor often involved with flying is turbulence. When turbulence occurs, depending on its severity, it can sometimes make for a scary and bumpy ride. 

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Understanding what turbulence is can put your mind at ease. Turbulence happens when there is some sort of change in the air movement around the plane. Most of the time, a little turbulence is no big deal and very common during a flight. 

Finding the answers to questions you have about planes can help you feel a lot better about flying, once you know the statistics and have a general understanding of how things work. 

7. Put trust in your travel buddy

If you are traveling with someone else, lean on that person for extra support. 

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Before your trip, let the person know about your fears and if there are things that you know help you, share these things with your travel party, so they know what to do if you get anxious. 

Also, just having someone else there that you are comfortable with can provide a calming presence for you. 

Kimber Crandall contributed reporting.Â