Press Releases
Hermann Maifest: German Celebration of Spring May 18-20
May 10, 2007 | For Immediate Release
One of Missouri’s oldest German festivals is just around the corner as the City of Hermann presents Maifest 2007 — a genuine German celebration of spring--on May 18-20.
This year’s Maifest has been expanded and will offer a wide range of German food, beer and wines, bands and entertainment, historic tours, craft vendors, and artisans demonstrating their craft. A variety of activities for children are also planned.
Activities will be throughout town, including the downtown historic district, City Park, and at wineries in and around Hermann. Special activities are also planned at the Deutschheim State Historic Site and the German School Museum; both places will have no admission charge during Maifest. The Gasconade County Historical Society Archives & Records Center will be open during the weekend with displays and continuous runs of “The Dream Spinner,” a film saga of the German emigration to America filmed in the Missouri Rhineland.
Three German bands will play as part of Maifest: the Herb Eberle Polka & German Band, Die Spitzbaum, and Trio Freddy. They are all scheduled to perform at the Bier Garten on Saturday and Sunday. On May 18 the Herb Eberle Band will kickoff the weekend from 6-10 p.m. at the Clara Eitmann-Messmer Amphitheatre.
At 2 p.m. Saturday, the Air National Guard Band will present an Armed Forces Day concert at the amphitheatre. On Sunday, the 1:30 p.m. Maifest parade will feature an Army Band from Fort Leonard Wood and high school bands from Hermann and Chamois.
“We have worked very hard to bring in quality vendors and entertainment, a big variety of food, and plenty of activities that celebrate Missouri’s rich German heritage,” said Becky Campbell, chair of the Maifest Committee. “Maifest has a long tradition in Hermann and we look forward to keeping that tradition alive for many years to come; many people have been working to make this year’s event a success.”
More than 60 vendor booths are expected. There are also more activities for children this year. On Saturday and Sunday there will be pony rides, a petting zoo, puppet shows, and an opportunity to ride the “Little Toot Express.” The Junior Wurstjaeger dance group and Maypole dancers will perform at 11 a.m. Saturday at 4th and Schiller.
On Saturday, the Schiller Street Volksplatz, featuring vendors and artisans, will be open from 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.; on Sunday the Volksplatz will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The Bier Garten in Sesquicentennial Park in downtown Hermann at 3rd and Gutenberg, opens at 5 p.m. Friday. On Saturday it is open from 10 a.m. til 10 p.m. and features the Herb Eberle Band from 11 a.m. — 2 p.m.; Trio Freddy from 2-6 p.m.; a beard and mustache contest at 2:30 p.m.; the Rhineland Wurstjaeger Dance Group at 5:30; a polka contest at 6 p.m.; and Die Spitzbaum from 6-10 p.m. On Sunday the bier garten is open from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m. Michael Stoops will be playing accordion music there from 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. and Herb Eberle’s band will perform from 1-4 p.m.
On Sunday, from 12:15-1:15 p.m. there will be a reception for Dorothy Heying, the parade grand marshal, at the Gasconade County Courthouse. Heying, 97, is a longtime school teacher and civic leader in Hermann.
Just prior to the 1:30 p.m. parade, there will be a re-enactment of the firing of the Little Cannon on the courthouse lawn, commemorating a Civil War skirmish in Hermann.
On Friday, Hermann will celebrate its annual Homecoming, sponsored by the Jaycees, featuring carnival rides and a beer garden with live music by Badlands in the Upper City Park. Those activities will continue on May 19 as well, with music at 8 p.m. by Rampage.
Throughout the weekend Hermann’s many unique shops, galleries and restaurants will be open.
Additional information about Maifest, lodging, and other events is available by calling 800-932-8687 or at www.hermannmo.info. Visitors can stop by the Hermann Welcome Center at 312 Market Street for further information.
