Verne Troyer leads the chicken dance from a stage on Fountain Square, with Whitney Creasman (left) and Ashlie Wilkson of the University of Cincinnati Dance Team. (Patrick Reddy photos) | ZOOM |

        Thousands of people crammed into Fountain Square and along Fifth Street to flap their arms and shake their rears with Austin Powers star Verne Troyer Sunday afternoon.

        The 32-inch actor, sporting an orange Hawaiian shirt and tan pants, had to stand on a platform at the Chicken Dance Elmo Stage so people could see him lead the Lowenbrau World's Largest Chicken Dance and Kazoo Band. Before leaving the stage, he danced to the Austin Powers theme song and drank beer from the mini-mug created in his honor.

        “It was my first time doing the chicken dance. Luckily, I had someone show me in the airport,” Mr. Troyer said during a post-dance press conference. “When it sped up, I think I messed up a little. I hope no one noticed.”

        The Chicken Dance highlighted the last day of the 27th annual Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati. More than 500,000 people were expected to enjoy authentic German food, beer and music along Fifth Street during the weekend event.

        About an hour before Mr. Troyer's 4 p.m. appearance, 20,000 kazoos were distributed. Many partygoers — including professional kazoo player Chris Strzok — took the time to practice.

Mr. Troyer drinks beer from the festival's mini-mug | ZOOM |

        “I've been here several times, but this is my first time in the kazoo band,” said the 32-year-old Madison, Ind., man.

        The kazoo band performed “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in honor of the last games at Cinergy Field.

        Other people, including Tammy Klei, got ready for the big event by donning chicken hats and rehearsing the dance moves.

        “We practiced earlier,” said the 53 year-old Brookville, Ind., woman before the Chicken Dance.

        Not everyone opted to wear a chicken on their heads. Nick Valitutto chose a maroon turkey hat with large tail feathers.

        “There's lots of chickens, and there's a few cardinals around here, too,” said the 11-year old from Delhi. “But there's only going to be one turkey — that's me.”

        The crowds Saturday and Sunday could make this year's event the largest yet, said Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce spokesman Raymond Buse. Back-to-back sporting events — including the football game between University of Cincinnati and Ohio State and the Reds' final games at Cinergy Field — were a big boost.

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