45th German-American Festival Returns to Oak Shade Grove
45th German-American Festival
Returns to Oak Shade Grove in Oregon
Toledo, OH … August 17, 2010 – As the Toledo’s area’s oldest, largest and greatest ethnic festival, the German-American Festival (GAF) is always one of the most anticipated “rain or shine” events of the summer. Attendees can look forward to the authentic German & Swiss food, beer, entertainment and amusement park rides they have come to expect, plus a host of new attractions featuring fireworks on opening night, Friday, August 27, and the first-ever, northwest Ohio “Masskrugstemmen” contest – an event that challenges competitors to hold a one-liter stein straight out with one arm level to the ground. It’s a well-known Bavarian “competition” and is sure to provide lots of good-spirited fun.
Organizers expect record attendance, and as Festival Chair Timothy Pecsenye puts it, “People of all ages simply love this summer tradition. There’s something for everyone, ranging from continuous live music from three stages, highlighted by the first appearance of Alpen Echos from Cincinnati, Ohio, and the much-anticipated return of the S.T.V. Bavaria German folk dance ensemble. As in past years, festival-goers will be able to enjoy the 56’ by 40’ wooden dance floor in the Fest Zelt (the main tent), the old world-style Bier & Wein Garten, the Swiss Steinstossen stone throwing contest, exceptional entertainment at the Hofbräuhalle Outdoor Pavilion, live soccer matches and much more.”
The festival opens at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 27, with opening ceremonies commencing at 8 p.m. Over the weekend, attractions will include a Hummel look-alike contest for children two to 10 years old, the 2nd Annual German Dessert Baking Contest, a raffle with a grand prize of $2,000, and, of course, one of the largest collections of German beers and wines you’re likely to ever see in one place. The latter is important because fest-fans will need something to wash down the huge amounts of potato salad, potato pancakes, Schnitzel sandwiches, bratwurst, chicken, sweet corn, Sauerkraut, and more – to be consumed over the weekend.
“We’re particularly excited to welcome the return of Polka Floyd as our featured entertainment act on Sunday night to the GAF,” Pecsenye said. “It’s the accordion-driven musical equivalent of Pink Floyd and is an absolute ‘must see.’ On top of that, look for performances by two folklore dance groups: the Holzhacker Buam Schuhplatter and the American Turners Deutsche Trachten Gruppe, as well as other ensembles from the Midwest.
“And, our traditional German-language worship service is something that’s going to be very special. To be held on Sunday, August 29 at 10:30 a.m., the service will be highlighted by music by our own Teutonia Männerchor & Damenchor and the Toledo Swiss Singers. Anyone attending will get free admission to the fest after the service.”
The GAF supplies more than 70 acres of free, lighted parking. And this year, for the first time, free shuttle transportation will be available “rain or shine” from the parking lots at Starr Elementary, Fassett Middle School, and Clay High School (children and families are welcome to ride along.) For others who wish to save themselves the drive, shuttle bus service will be provided from Arnie’s at Westgate on Central Avenue, Berger’s Olde Tyme Bar & Grill on Laskey, and the Lucas County Recreation Center. Shuttle tickets are $6 and can also be purchased at the Heatherdowns and Third Street in downtown Waterville locations of Shawn’s Irish Tavern, along with Ventura’s Mexican Cantina on Bancroft and Yeeha’s Buckin’ Bar & Grill on Navarre in Oregon (note: Yeeha’s will be providing complimentary shuttle service on the days of the festival). Shuttles will depart from parking pick-up locations from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday – with the last departures at 1 a.m. Sunday shuttle service will run from Arnie’s at Westgate only from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
“Naturally, while we want everyone to come out and have a great time, we want them to do it responsibly,” Pecsenye emphasized. “ That’s why the Festival will again be distributing soft drink coupons for the ‘Designated Driver’ from the Guest Services booth..
General admission tickets are $7 per person. Buy in advance online and print at www.germanamericanfestival.net or www.gafsociety.org/fest.htm. Or, double your discount by texting “GAF” to 95495. Exclusive two-day ($10) and three-day ($15) admission passes are also available. Children 12 years of age and under admitted at no charge all weekend when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Active military, police, fire department or EMS personnel will be admitted at no charge with proof of employment on Sunday. Senior citizens holding Golden Buckeye cards or equivalent will receive $1 discount at the gate on Sunday.
Festival hours: Friday, August 27, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday, August 28, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday, August 30, Noon to 11 p.m.
About the German-American Festival. The Festival is operated by the G.A.F Society, which is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. It is sponsored by the seven German- and Swiss-American societies in Toledo, and is intended to promote and enhance the German and Swiss cultures, as well as generate revenue to support the German and Swiss cultural center in Oregon, along with a variety of scholarship, athletic and philanthropic programs in the Toledo area.
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Press Release Contact Name: Timothy Pecsenye
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: German American Society
Website or Link: www.gafsociety.org
Organization Address: Oregon, OH