In 1979 artist Chuck Healy created the first hand thrown mug as they are known today. Between 1,000 and 1,500 mugs were made and sold that year. By 1984, 10,000 commemorative Oktoberfest mugs had been sold.
The design process for the mugs starts a full year ahead. Potters are on site during Oktoberfest planning for the next years design in conjunction with the DAI’s Associate Board. Each year unique styles, sizes and shapes are created.
It is not uncommon for visitors to Oktoberfest to purchase a mug to continue a set that began with previous generations of their family.
This year the tradition continues with handcrafted mugs created by Lang Weil Studios of Groveport. The potters, who have designed the mugs for Oktoberfest the previous seven years, have made 1,340 mugs and 125 shot glasses for this year’s event.
Large mugs will be sold for $40, small mugs will sell for $30 and shot glasses are $10.
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