Mark down Saturday September 25 – there’s a lot happening in the Shenandoah Valley that day!
The first to highlight is the first ever Germanfest being hosted by the Shenandoah Germanic Heritage Museum! Designed to increase public understanding of the Germanic heritage, the festival is offers a range of activities – take a look below (taken from the activities page at GermanFestVA.org:
GermanFest Activities
Great activities for all ages.
** Subject to Change **Live Music
The Original Elbe-Musikanten German Band
Enjoy this 12-piece band playing the traditional style of mainly German & Austrian music – the kind you would listen to at a German village event where the community gathers to celebrate and socialize. This, of course, includes music for Oktoberfest and Gemütlichkeit. The band itself is configured, in true German village style, to include flugelhorns and tenor horns, along with clarinets, trumpet, trombones, tuba, and percussion.
LIZ RUFFNER sings a Patsy Cline Tribute!
LIZ RUFFNER won a recent Patsy Cline Sing-Alike contest sponsored by “Celebrating Patsy Cline,” an organization dedicated to preserving the Legacy of Patsy Cline. We’re thrilled she’s coming to sing some of our favorites from our cousin Patsy.US Army’s Premier Fife & Drum Corp
This is the only unit of its kind in the US Armed Forces. Their crisp precision drills have thrilled audiences nationwide. The musicians of this unit recall the days of the American Revolution as they perform in uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians of Gen. George Washington’s Continental Army. The uniforms worn by the members of the Corps are dated circa 1781, and
consist of black tricorn hats, white wigs, waistcoats, colonial coveralls, and red regimental coats.Beer, Wine & Food Garden
German & American Food
Bratwurst, saurerkraut, potato salad and other German fare along with more standard American hotdogs and hamburgers will be tempting you with their aromas during GermanFest. And don’t forget ice cream, funnel cakes, the world’s best donuts, and beverages of all sorts.North Mountain Vineyard & Winery
Wines with a German sensiblity imbued by the German ownership! Come sample wines from our neighbor, such as their popular Toms Brook Red or Vidal Blanc.
Yuengling Beer
Don’t let the name fool you – Yuengling is the anglicized version of the founder’s German name, Jungling (meaning “young man”). This oldest operating brewery in America was founded by a German immigrant from near Stuttgart named David Jungling. So it’s perfect for our GermanFest celebration!
Craft Demonstrations & Vendors
Clock Making by “Clock Docs”
Doll making with Hickory Nuts
Spinning on wheels & drop spindles
Loom weaving with naturally dyed fabrics
Rope making
Pottery – on the wheel and by hand
Baking in our Bake Oven
Native American Art
Historical Re-enactors
The Honorable Lord Fairfax pays a visit
Historical military Re-enactors
Presentations
Walking tours – Battle of Toms Brook
Civil War medicine (more sophisticated than you think!)
Lifestyles of our early settlers
Children’s Area
Fun Craft Projects
Come with the family – you can even volunteer!
