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Oregon Das Jährliche Schwäbische
Waldfest" held Saturday and Sunday, July 29 and July 30, at Oak Shade Grove,
Oregon, Ohio, was a sweltering affair with temperatures ranging in the 90's
both days. However, because of the arbors of The Grove and the openair
pavilion, Schwaben Halle, guests were able to enjoy this traditional
Waldfest in a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.
Organization for this annual program begins early, and President Herman
Schmalzried was concerned that vacation schedules and high temperatures
might keep workers at home. He need not have been concerned. On Friday, July
28, the day that the 300 pounds of potatoes were converted to salad, 34
Verein members and their wives, the largest workforce to ever show up for
this event, completed the work in a record 3 hours.
Guests were slow to arrive for the Saturday opening at 6 p.m. However, when
the featured band, The Vagabonds," appeared on the Schwaben Halle stage, the
crowd began to increase and take on a festive mood, for a twopiece band this
duo has a big and lush sound. Vern Basilius, leader of his Encore" band and
Schwaben Verein member took a professional holiday by playing his banjo with
The Vagabonds." The music was very easy on the ears.
Kris Schwarzkopf, who always guides the kitchen efforts of Schwaben
programs, had to be away on a business trip. Emil and Joyce Ziegler took up
many of her duties with professional skill, Kris' husband, Rudy, and Jerry
Dunaway worked behind the scenes giving their usual fine logistic support.
A
Waldfest is not successful unless old friends gather for good food, good
spirits and gemütlichkeit." All three were present in bounteous numbers at
the Waldfest. Anneliese Green met with her Dayton friends, Klaus and Lis
Syska. Walter and Gerda Fritz returned from the West and Sylvester and
Margret Meitinger came back from Florida to renew friendships. Leonard and
Mary Ellen Klaege were seen with their daughter, Dr. Karen Klaege, and her
fiance, Justin Zimmerman from Sandusky, Ohio. Jerry and Marsha Dunaway
showed off their first grandchild, Katherine Elizabeth Eaton.
Perhaps one of the greatest joys of the Saturday and Sunday program was to
see senior citizens on the dance floor looking almost as graceful as they
did 10 years ago.
Sunday's Waldfest always draws bigger crowds and as a result the program is
greatly expanded. Opening ceremonies began at 3 p.m., with the traditional
parade of G.A.F. Society members carrying flags of their organizations and
with members dressed in ethnic garb. At the Schwaben Halle stage they were
introduced by Master of Ceremonies, Don Pfouts. To the accompaniment of the
Al Nowak Band, the American, German, and Swiss national anthems were sung.
This was followed by a short welcoming address by President Herman
Schmalzried with special recognition of past G.A.F. Presidents Lee Weber and
Michael Willinger, past President of the G.B.U. Willie Fiedler (one of the
initial founders of the G.A.F. Society, Inc., and builder of Oak Shade
Hall), President Tim Pecseyne of the Teutonia Männerchor and present
President of the G.A.F. Society, Mel Arndt. Arndt gave a short speech
stressing the unity among the seven organizations making up the G.A.F.
Society, Inc. The old German axiom: Einigkeit macht stark" was his closing
remark.
Special Visitors to Sunday's program were Art and Kathryn French from the
Ann Arbor Schwaben Verein and Hubert Rosch, Lisa Gerstheimer, and Joe
Wieland from the Detroit Schwaben Verein. It was especially rewarding to see
Mary Ellen Sieler, former President of the Swiss Singers, decorator, and
entertainment chairman of many G.A.F. festivals. This lady has worked hard
for years promoting the G.A.F. Society, Inc. Come back and visit with us
often, Mary Ellen! Cheers to the Turners' Elsie Greifelt, another gal who
could give you pages of history on the activities of the local German
community. We appreciate seeing you at our Waldfest!
After the opening ceremonies, the Al Nowak Band played until closing at 8
p.m. Joe Gates' Bavarian Schuhplattlers, regular performers at all Waldfests,
gave their usual crowd pleasing program. The Woodchoppers' Dance and the
Fight Dance were especially appealing. A tumble fun house was arranged for
youngsters on
Sunday by Don Pfouts. It was monitored by Breann, Ashley, Matthew, and
Justin Pfouts. Jared Sailer, Madyson and Bailey Skelly managed the soft
drink and water concession both Saturday and Sunday. A super raffle, managed
by Otto and Margaret Kniffke, was also offered both days of the Fest. The
Schiessbude (Shooting Gallery) was open both days for aspiring marksmen.
Another Waldfest has been recorded in the pages of the Schwaben Historical
Album. Many plaudits go to organizers and workers; however, the Waldfest
owes much of its success to the arbors at Oak Shade Grove and to Schwaben
Halle, where guests could enjoy a German like setting and for two days
revisit the culture of their homeland.
Roy Lessing |
