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Milwaukee
The Spielmannszug Milwaukee Drum and Bugle Corps held it's annual
Bockbierfest on Saturday April 29, 2006 at the Hart Park Hall in Wauwatosa,
Wisconsin. Hundreds of people ventured out on this rainy night to enjoy lots
of food and drink and dance to the music of the Alte Kameraden Brass band
from Freistadt, Wisconsin. The Spielmannszug performed twice during the
evening and the Danube Cultural Society was there to entertain the guests
with their dancing during band breaks.
Master of
Ceremonies, Joe Wissmann opened the program by introducing Spielmannszug
President Hans-Peter Schaaf and Bockbierfest Chairman Cornelia Ille-Hoekstra.
Mrs. Ille-Hoekstra thanked all the volunteers and than thanked all of the
guests for coming. She noted that of the over 700 names on the
Bockbierfest's mailing list over 100 families have attended at least 5
previous Bockbierfests in the past seven years. As she dedicated this year's
Fest to those loyal guests the hall filled with applause! Mr. Schaaf than
officially proclaimed the 2006 Bockbierfest open with Ein Prosit"!
Mr. Schaaf also
presented a special beer stein to a special guest and long time friend of
the Spielmannszug, Mr. Bruce Larson (better known as the Kaiser") visiting
from Minnesota. Mr. Schaaf thanked the Kaiser for all the support he has
given the Spielmannszug Milwaukee over the years.
Mr. Schaaf also
presented a bouquet of flowers to Miss Spielmannszug, Heidi Weiss.
Throughout the
evening, drinking contests were held for the men and women. Winners of these
contests competed at the end of the evening against the current Bockbier
King and Queen for their crowns. Longtime Bockbierfest attendee Sam Skemp
won the crown for King. He stated that he had waited years and years for
this honor and was thrilled to win the crown. Both King and Queen were
awarded a Weissbier glass and another smaller beer glass as well as club
ordens and pins. The Queen was given a sash and a bouquet of flowers. All in
all everyone in attendance enjoyed this evening of Gemütlichkeit and a
wonderful time was had by all!!
Cornelia Ille-Hoekstra |
