Guttenberg Germanfest names royalty, lays out event schedule
Guttenberg's 34th annual Germanfest is ready to supply the brats and beverages for a jam-packed weekend of family fun.
The event will take place on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20.
Festivities begin on Friday when the gates open at 3 p.m.
Food and beverage vendors will be open an hour later. The opening ceremony will follow at 5:30 p.m., which includes crowning this year's royalty and the tapping of the keg.
This year's baron and baroness of Germanfest will be Al Troester and Diane Schilling.
Following the ceremony, Barefoot Becky will perform until 10, and the Iowa football game will be on the big screen.
On Saturday, the event kicks into high gear. The gates open at 9 a.m., and a 5K run/walk will begin near the swimming pool. A German car show will also take place on Schiller Street that morning.
At Riverfront Park, various kids' activities, including a carnival, will open from 10 to 1. The kids' stein holding contest will start at 11 a.m.
The Home Brew Contest expects to see 15-20 different beers available for the public to taste and judge. In past years, the contest has attracted upwards of 100 people with the promise of quality libations. This year, there will be two categories: traditional German beers and non-traditional beers. One winner will be chosen in each category. Tastees can contribute an at-will donation, with the proceeds used for future events.
Other children's activities, including face painting and inflatables, will be available throughout the day.
At Center Court Stage, a kids' costume contest will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the Clayton Ridge Drill Team at 10:30.
A German dessert contest starts at 11, with the Illuminate Dance Troupe following 30 minutes later. Weiner dog races, the Star Power Dancers, and an encore from Illuminate will take place at the Center Court Stage at noon, 12:30, and 1:30, respectively.
At the festival stage, the German band will play from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. While the band plays, a Home Brew Contest and Tasting will start at the noon hour, lasting until 2 p.m.
Other musical talent and entertainment scheduled for the festival are Jordan Danielson, playing from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and Love Handles from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Hammerschlagen begins at 3 p.m., and the Keg Toss and German Trivia ensue 30 minutes later. The adult stein holding contest starts at 5. Finally, the adult costume contest and another round of German trivia at 6:30 p.m. will keep the evening going.
For the first time ever, the event will include fireworks on Saturday night starting at 7:30 p.m.
Admission to the event is $15 for guests 21 years old or older and $10 for attendees who are younger than 21. One wristband allows admission for both days of the festival.
An admission wristband includes access to live music, arts and crafts shows, traditional games, dance performances, and kids' activities.
To see a full list of events and updates, follow the Guttenberg Germanfest's Facebook page and keep your eyes open for event posters displayed throughout the community.
