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Oregon The German spirit of
dedication and loyalty were in full force at the Toledo Schwaben Waldfest
presented Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24 at Oak Shade Grove in
Oregon, Ohio.
As
with all ethnic organizations, which persevere to perpetuate old-world
cultures, the Toledo Schwa-ben Verein is an aging Heimat" group that has
lost many of its staunchest members over the years. However, this has not
daunted the vigorous Toledo group. Under the enthusiastic leadership of
President Herman Schmalzried, Verein officers, and Verein members this
organization is dedicated to preserving German culture in harmony with the
other six groups making up the German-American Festival Society, Inc. Few
organizations can boast of involving 80% of its members in every program
presented. Such was the case at the Schwaben Waldfest 2005.
Saturday's program, from 5pm to 11pm offered the usual well-prepared German
food, where even the pretzels were imported from Stuttgart, Germany.
Beverage Chairman, Howard Schnabel provided German and domestic beer. But
there is more! Saturday's Fest always features wine and Howard's special
strawberry margaritas." Several days before the Waldfest, Howard can be
found in the berry patch picking the fruit for his cocktail. Now, that's
dedication!
The Waldfest program featured activities for children on Sunday. For adults
who wished to test their shooting skills, the Schiessbude" provided a
challenging exercise of skill on both Fest days.
Special entertainment on Saturday was provided by the Karl Peters Spass"
Band and the American Turners Folk Dancers.
Sunday's program from 1pm to 8pm provided the focal point of dedication and
loyalty. The opening ceremony at 3pm featured a parade of the seven
organizations making up the German-American Festival Society, Inc. In
Schwaben Halle, the outdoor pavilion presented to the G.A.F. Society by the
Schwaben Verein to shelter all guests to the Grove when inclement weather
makes a cover necessary, a formal dedication of the inscribed block floor
and the new wooden dance floor took place. Inscribed blocks were purchased
by supporters of the Schwaben Halle project, a generous start-up
contribution was made by Schwaben Verein members, and further financial
support was given by the G.A.F. Society, Inc. Paving blocks with
inscriptions are still available at $50.00, $75.00 and $125.00. Price of the
blocks is determined by their size. Further financial contributions are
necessary to pay for the approximately $60,000 cost of the project.
The ceremonial march to Schwaben Halle was played by the Al Nowak Edelweiss
Band. A short speech dedicating the floor program was given by President
Herman Schmalzried. Marge Brown, Mayor of the City of Oregon, acknowledged
President Schmalzried's thanks for the city's purchased of a large floor
block inscribed Oregon on the Lake". Following the dedication ceremony, the
Bavarian Schuhplattlers performed their dance routines to an always
appreciative audience. The Al Nowak Edelweiss Band played music for
listening and dancing until closing of the Waldfest.
The Toledo Schwaben Verein again showed its dedication and loyalty by
enriching the property of the G.A.F. Society so that German culture will
continue for years to come.
Roy F. Lessing |
