One of Missouri’s oldest German festivals is approaching as the city of Hermann presents Maifest 2012 — a German celebration of spring — this weekend, May 18-20.
This year’s 60th anniversary edition of Maifest will offer German music and food, beer and wines, muic, craft vendors, artisans demonstrating their crafts, a parade and carnival, and activities for children as Hermann continues the observance of its 175th anniversary.
Activities will be throughout town, including the downtown historic district, Hermann Farm and Museum, City Park, and at wineries in and around Hermann. Special activities and tours also are planned at the Deutschheim State Historic Site, the Museum at the German School, and the Hermannhof Hofgarten.
A complete schedule is available at www.VisitHermann.com.
Entertainment
Entertainment Saturday at the Maifest Bier Garten on Gutenberg Street will include Herb Eberle from 1-5 p.m., the German Rock Band Ubercool from 6-10 p.m., and roving musicians Glenda Townsend and Ginny Hall will be playing in the Historic District both Saturday and Sunday.
On Sunday, Herb Eberle will play at the bier garten from 1-4 p.m. and the Hungry Five German band will play around the Historic District.
On Saturday, the Schiller Street/Fourth Street Volksplatz, featuring vendors and artisans, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, the Volksplatz will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
More than 60 vendor booths are expected, offering a variety of food and merchandise. There will be old-time kids games both days, a puppet show, Maypole Dancers and other activities. There will be a Kinder King and Queen contest at noon on Saturday behind the German School.
Parade
The parade will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, followed by activities for kids and Volksplatz shopping. Following the parade there will be an appearance by an Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale at the Hermann Forge on Gutenberg Street.
The Deutschheim State Historic Site, Missouri’s official German Heritage site, will have tours of two houses at 10 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. each day.
There will be music throughout town during Maifest. Some of the other venues include: live music at the Upper City Park provided by the Hermann Jaycees Friday and Saturday; German music at Hermannhof Winery Saturday and Sunday; the Loehnig German Band will be at Stone Hill Winery 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and the Wurstjaeger dancers will also perform; music from 1-6 p.m. Saturday at the Tin Mill Brewery; Borderline will play at OakGlenn Winery on Saturday from 1-5 p.m.; the Bluff-tones will play at the Bank Bar on Schiller Street Saturday night; and Simons will have music Friday and Saturday.
