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VISITING
AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE
JANUARY
2010
Atlantic City
Hosts the Donauschwaben
Forwarded
From Trenton Donauschwaben
A large number of club members from both the Trenton and
Philadelphia Donauschwaben headed down to the Trump Taj Mahal Casino
this past October 24th. The
occasion was the annual Oktoberfest held at the giant hotel wearing
“The Donald’s” famous family name. Indeed, Mr. Trump is very
proud of his German heritage and spares little expense in putting on
an impressive German event at the sea side resort. Given the fabulous
venue, it’s little wonder that our Philadelphia-Trenton dance group
was very happy to receive an invitation to be a part of the
entertainment this year.
One of the biggest dance groups we’ve ever assembled arrived
at the cavernous convention hall that Saturday afternoon.
Some 12 couples representing both the youth dance group and
Philly’s adult group staged both some of their well-known dances
along with some newer ones too. The smiling and energetic
dancers
endeared themselves to the audience who applauded their performance
most appreciatively.
Things didn’t start out so smoothly however. Let’s face it;
it wouldn’t be nearly as interesting if it did! Due
to a technical glitch, the bus carrying most Philadelphians and some
Trentonians arrived at the casino with not a moment to spare. Our
dancers jumped off and ran through the hotel, right past security
personnel
who never even got a chance to object to the youngsters sprinting
across the “adults only” gambling area. They eventually ended up
where they needed to be just in time, if not just a bit breathless!
The “Grand Parade” featuring all of the entertainers at the
Oktoberfest then got underway. The long line of musicians, luminaries,
singers, Schuhplattlers and Donauschwaben dancers snaked its way
around the hotel and casino as a promotion meant to lure folks to the
event. Most of our dance
group really enjoyed the fact that the parade route included a ride on
the long escalator in the main hall. How often does a parade ride on
an escalator ?
All in all, everyone had a good time even though some did
complain about leaving a few dollars too many at the slot machines.
Thanks to those who attended, including dancers, families, members and
friends. A special “shout out” to longtime Trenton members Carl
and Sue Conrad who traveled up from Cape May for the event. Thanks
also go to former radio personality and Oktoberfest MC Mr. Walter
Pottgiesser for the many nice things he said about our Donauschwaben
clubs to the big crowd that day. To paraphrase former NJ governor Tom
Kean: Atlantic City and the Donauschwaben, “perfect together!”
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