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Brookfield On June 2nd and 3rd,
2007 the Spielmannszug Milwaukee celebrated it's 50th Anniversary with a
Gala Celebration Dance on June 2nd at the Milwaukee Sheraton in Brookfield,
Wisconsin.
The evening began with cocktails and gemütlichkeit followed by a heartfelt
welcome by President Ed Weiss. Jeff Osterman then read a Proclamation from
the Milwaukee City Council proclaiming June 2nd Spielmannszug Milwaukee Day"
in Milwaukee!! A moment of silence followed for deceased members with the
fifes and drums playing Ich hatt' einen Kameraden".
After a delicious dinner of Steak and Chicken, the Spielmannszug marched in
along with Miss Spielmannszug Monika Walcher and current Prinzenpaar S.T.
Prinz Emmanuel and I.L. Prinzessin Cornelia I. along with Kinderprinzenpaar,
Alexander II. and Anna I. Cornelia Ille-Hoekstra then gave a history of the
Spielmannszug.
What followed then was unprecedented... a grand march of former
Prinzenpaaren that have represented the Spielmannszug over 44 Karneval
seasons. A total of 27 couples were represented including the very first
Prinzessin Vivian Jung! After the Spielmannszug marched out, an honor dance
was held for all the Prinzenpaaren! Dancing for everyone followed under the
talent of Johnny Hoffmann und Seine Herzbuben.
During the first band break, special 50 year membership plaques were
presented to the following people: Vinzenz and Lina Blendl who were founding
members and were key in getting the Spielmannszug going in the early years.
Vinzenz spent many hours attending planning meetings both here and in
Chicago to get the Spielmannszug off the ground and also spent many hours
working towards fundraising in those early years! Past President Helmut
Schuetzler, who, although was not a founder, also worked tirelessly in the
early years to help develop the Spielmannszug into the club it is today.
Other 50 year member plaques presented were to Past President Frank
Gruenwald and Betty Steeger who were unable to attend the festivities. Both
Frank and Betty also spent many hours dedicated to the Spielmannszug over
the years!
The club then surprised Master of Ceremonies Joachim Wissmann by bestowing
the honor of Ehrenmitglied" and presenting him with a plaque for all his
hard work over the years. A plaque was also present to the Spielmannszug 25
year Prinzenpaar John and Betty Enders who represent the Spielmannszug 25
years ago!
The Spielmannszug's own Tanzsterne Tanzmarienchen group under the direction
of Irene Wagner then danced for everyone!
During the second break, guest groups were introduced and many groups made
50 year presentations to President Ed Weiss. Guest Prinzenpaaren included:
Milwaukee Rheinischer Verein Gruen-Weiss's S.T. Peter II. and I.L. Erika
IV., Chicago's S.T. Rheingold II. and Jane I., Minnesota's S.T. Jack I. and
I.L. Yvonne I. and Cincinnati's S.T. Chris I. and I.L. Heidi I.
Throughout the evening guests were able to watch the beautifully done DVD 50
years Spielmannszug" which was created by Robert DeGlau. It was shown
continuously at the culture display, which was set up in the hall.
The festivities continued Sun |
