Hundreds of people turned out for the annual German Cultural Society Maifest held last weekend at Donau Park, 5020 West Four Ridge Road, in House Springs, said Monica Lorenz, the organization’s president.
She said the event, which ran May 19-21, went smoothly.
“It was great weather except for at the start Friday night when we had a little rain,” said Lorenz of Oakville. “Overall, we probably had about 800 people. That’s 100 Friday night, 300 Saturday night and 400 or more (May 21). I’m happy with the attendance. It’s been great.”
Fairgoers said they attended the event for the German music, dancing, food and beverages, including both German and American beers.
Crystie Branham, 42, of Arnold said she was enjoying the event on May 21.
“The weather is good. The people are friendly, and I like trying the different beers,” she said.
Mary King, 64, of Arnold, who attended with her husband and Branham, said she looks forward to the Maifest each spring.
“The Maifest is wonderful,” she said. “I enjoy the dancing and the food. It’s just wonderful.”
Erich Meier, 64, of Manchester attended Maifest with his family, all dressed in traditional German garb.
“I come for the tradition, the camaraderie,” he said. “I’ve been coming here 40 years, along with my family members.”
Neal Thompson of Arnold also attended the festival in German-style clothing, as did his 19-month-old son, Jaxon.
“I like the music, the food, the dancing,” Thompson said. “My wife, Jennifer, is the dance instructor for the kids.”
German bands Die Spitzbuam, Deutschmeister Brass Band and Brasshausen performed during the festival. In addition, the Kindertanzgruppe (children’s dance group), Jugendgruppe (youth dance group), Die Heimatgruppe (young adult dance group) and Volkstanzgruppe (adult dance group) performed.
The next German Cultural Society event on tap at Donau Park is the Wiener ‘N’ Schnitzel Dinner Sunday, July 16. Dinners will be served from noon to 3 p.m., and music and other entertainment will run through 4 p.m.
For more information, visit the German Cultural Society of St. Louis Facebook page or go to the society’s website at germanstl.org.