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Donauschwaben in den USA |
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VISITING AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE OCTOBER 2008
GERMAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL NO MORE?
By Stefan Brandecker
Forwarded From Trenton Donauschwaben
It is sad news to report that there will be no German Heritage Festival this year. Times have changed and so must the festival.
For
34 years, the festival has entertained the German community throughout the New
Jersey area, with live performances from Germany and showcasing local talent
right in our own backyard. It also has featured food from favorite German
vendors and crafts. The
German Heritage Council of New Jersey, is a non – profit organization, that
dedicated itself to produce one day a year, in which the German people of New
Jersey, and the surrounding areas, could celebrate their German heritage. Those
attending came from near and far. Some came from as far away as Ohio, Maryland
and even Canada. They could enjoy vendors selling everything German from Tracht
to Steins to music and more. They also enjoyed authentic German food, provided
by local restaurants and delis. Among other activities were German youth soccer
games, and dancing provided by local German club dance groups. The
festival started out with many other ethnic groups (Polish, Irish, etc.). In
1974, the festival began showcasing local talent only. These included dance
groups and bands. In the end we were one of a handful that remained, let alone
constantly turn a profit. The money generated from these festivals was always
given back to the German community by way of donations to various German
cultural programs and student scholarships. While it may have begun under the
leadership of others, the one you all know is Ted Hierl. He began as Program
Chair, then Vice Chair. Later in 1985, he was voted General Chairman and has
worked tirelessly ever since to bring over the best talent possible. Under his
stewardship, our festival grew in size and exposure and became known all over
Germany. The performers from Germany started coming over in 1977. Just to name a
few: Freddy Breck, Marianne & Michael, Freddy Quinn, Tony Marshall, Vico
Torriani, Heintje Simons, Fred Bertelmann, Jantje Smit, Stefanie Hertel mit
Vater Eberhard, Stefan Mross, Original Naabtal Duo, Alpentrio Tirol, Big Band
der Bundeswehr, Bianca, and may others. But there was one guest that kept
getting welcomed back time and again- that was Heino! He came to the PNC Arts
Center for an unbelievable 7 times and was the only one to sell out. I remember
the time his plane was late coming in and he arrived at the Arts Center by
helicopter- what an entrance! Our
Trenton Donauschwaben club got involved from the beginning days of the festival.
Our kitchen staff would work tirelessly, baking kuchen, strudel, and the like,
weeks before the festival, getting ready for the big event.
The day of the event everyone lent a helping hand, from youngest of young
to oldest of ah….wisest to wise! It started early in the morning for the club,
by loading up the vehicles with all of our goodies and supplies by 6:00 a.m. for
the drive up. Once there, the setup usually went on without a hitch and a crowd
waited anxiously for us to start selling the pastries. The club had a very good
reputation and was well known by the regular attendees. They could always count
on us for good food and drink. I was always asked if the Donauschwaben were
coming back. I
also recall the early days of when the Donauschwaben dance group would perform
on what was called “the mall”. The crowd of people was sometimes
overwhelming. The dance group was also honored one year with the privilege of
performing, on the main stage. The tradition continued into last year with the
combined dancers from our Donauschwaben club dancers and our sister club in
Philadelphia. Job well done. As time went on, things changed. Ted put in longer hours, trying to bring the best talents year after year-this was getting more difficult. The year after Sept 11th, few wanted to fly. As the dollar was falling, the prices kept going up. The State was thinking of doing away with the stage show, but without the stage show, we would become just another October fest. So the committee voted, as a whole, to not have a German Heritage Festival this year, but keep the options open for the future. It is with sadness that I thank everyone on the Heritage committee for a job well done over these past 34 years. I have had the honor and privilege to serve on the committee since about 1990 with these outstanding men and women from across New Jersey. The committee never had a home, but was always welcomed at the various clubs to meet. It was amazing to see all the hard work accomplished by so few.
Reprinted with Permission Trenton Donauschwaben 127 Route 156, Yardville, NJ 08620
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