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Sterling Heights Looking for an
event that's both formal and fun? It must be the Carpathia Jäger Königsball.
Elegant yet relaxed, dressy and fun - if someone was looking for something
different, they found it at this year's Jäger event. It was a true King's
ball that everyone celebrated together.
The evening began with a wine tasting and wild game appetizers. The wine
list was impressive including 17 wines from eight different countries all
generously donated by Steve Unger. Steve also made and donated his own
popular wines to round out the tasting. Accompanying the wines were
delicious wild game appetizers including moose medallions in hunter gravy,
spicy venison dip, smoked sausage, deer salami and venison in a peppercorn
cream sauce. Everything was as savory as it sounds.
After wine and appetizers, the 37th Annual Königsball ceremony began with
honors, remembrances, welcomes and thanks. The Jäger President, Tom Forest,
was the master of ceremonies and spoke about looking back at traditions.
Then, to honor the former Jäger Kings attending the event, Tom read each of
their names and asked them to stand while they all received considerable
applause. Unfortunately, several past Kings are no longer with us, so Tom
read each of their names and the years they were king. Tom Forest continued
with a moment of silence, specifically mentioning Frank Schwager who passed
away this year, as well as for all of the Jäger that are no longer with us.
With memories and respect, it was obvious that every Jäger felt a quiet
honor for their friends.
Several guests and representatives that attended the event were welcomed.
Arthur Beneker, Vice-President of Carpathia Club, was called to say a few
words. Ehren President, Franz Pelvay, and many other Carpathia Board members
were introduced as well. Other clubs and groups were also represented that
evening. Deutsch-Amerikanischer Schützen Verein, Kolping Society, the GTEV
Edelweiss Group, Nordamerikanischer Sängerbund, and the German American
Cultural Center were all introduced and applauded. Special recognition also
went to Mike O'Connor from the Jägermeister company for attending the event.
The Jägermeister awards and raffle prizes from Mike are very appreciated by
the Jäger.
Tom Forest personally thanked everyone involved in the donation and
preparation of the wine and appetizers. Thanks went to Steve Unger for the
wine and the deer salami donation, Johann Krenzer for the moose donation,
Jeff Ewald for the venison donation, Alex Rausch for preparing the moose,
Eric Rausch preparing the venison, Monica Forest for preparing the venison,
Norm Raab for the smoked sausage, and Bela Frenczli for generously helping
the Jäger prepare cuts of meat throughout the year. Finally, Tom
complemented the ladies in the kitchen for an excellent dinner. All of the
ladies received much applause.
Beginning with a formal Jäger Einmarsch, it was time for the awards
ceremony. The 2007 Jäger König is Ed Speckhardt and his lovely queen is his
wife, Monica. Congratulations to Ed. He won an exciting shoot-off to earn
his title. The Jäger Court also includes First Ritter Eric Rausch and his
wife Julie, and Second Ritter John Klimach and his wife Blondine. After the
König's Kette, sashes and medals were awarded, Ed Speckhardt explained the
symbolism and meaning of his König's Tafel (King's Crest).
Then it was time for the trophies. Jeff Ewald won first trophy, Rob
Seiberling won second trophy after a shootout with Tom Forest who won the
third trophy. Other trophies included a huge sweep for John Klimach with the
High Overall Trophy, the High Overall Senior Trophy and the High Overall
Senior Leamington Series. One of the favorite trophies was saved for last:
John Reiter won a trophy for highest Junior Jäger and received proud
handshakes from everyone in the Jäger group.
Music from the band, songs at the bar, lots of laughter, and celebrating
together hit full swing after the awards. The bar might have been more
crowded than the dance floor that night. And it wasn't just filled with the
Jäger. Between birthdays and girls just wanting to have fun, the ladies did
their share of celebrating, too.
Later in the evening, it was time for a little surprise. Guests could choose
between milk or dark chocolate as an unexpected treat. Sometimes, if they
didn't choose fast enough, they'd have to catch the flying chocolate tossed
at them. Dark chocolate won the taste test by far.
Between dancing and the raffle, the night never slowed down. Eric Rausch,
the raffle MC, was lively and witty as usual. How does he make listening to
numbers so entertaining? It seemed like everyone had a good time. It must
have been a fun because a few Jäger and their wives were still talking,
singing and laughing when the lights went off. Of course, there's always Boo
Boo Bear's!
The title of this article refers to celebrating together, but all of the
Jäger also joined together to have a great event. Jäger and their wives
helped set up the hall, brought many fresh, garden flowers for decorations,
and arranged a beautiful rose bouquet for the queen. They prepared the
appetizers and donated the wine and game. They organized the raffle and
provided raffle prizes. It should give the group a real sense of
accomplishment that their effort became a fun night for everyone.
In
case you missed this event, you are always welcome to join the Jäger at
their annual Jäger Bankett in March. It's also a lively evening, and it
includes a wild game dinner. Do you like trap or target shooting? Are you
interested in hunting or do you just enjoy the outdoors? If you're thinking
about joining the Jäger group, feel free to give Tom Forest a call at (586)
781-4505.
The Carpathia Club also hosts other upcoming events. Kirchweihfest is on
Saturday, November 10th. In keeping with the Donauschwaben tradition, a mass
will be held at 5:00, the Kirchweih Einmarsch starts at 7:00, and the
dancing lasts all night. The Hank Haller Ensemble from Cleveland, Ohio, will
have the hall hopping. This year, dinners can be pre-ordered for the event.
Another popular event at the Carpathia Club is the Kicker's Banquet on
December 8th. With the Kickers, you know it will be a good time. Come, see
it for yourself and join in on the fun. Hope to see you soon.
Monica Forest |
