Now in its 34th year, Germanfest Picnic is a 3-day celebration of Dayton’s rich German heritage. Its new location at RiverScape MetroPark will allow for future growth of the Germanfest Picnic.
Starting with extended hours this year –Friday, August 11, 5:00- 11:00 pm, Saturday, August 12,11:00 am- 11:00 pm and Sunday, August 13 from 11:00 am- 6:00 pm.
At the Germanfest Picnic– Patrons will enjoy continuous live music featuring Organ grinder Ted Guillaum Pros’t Band, Chardon Polka Band, Sauer Brats and Alpen Echos .
Opening Ceremonies, hosted by TV2 Weatherman Brian Davis on Friday evening, highlights Dayton Liederkranz Turner Scholarship Award winners and a traditional keg-tapping. Craft vendors, including German items, display their wares throughout the weekend. The Germanfest 5K/10K race moves to Saturday morning, starting and ending near the Music Pavilion. A German Fashion Show features local models wearing traditional German clothing at 2:00 Saturday afternoon, narrated by TV2 Meteorologist Jamie Jarosik. A Polka Mass begins Sunday’s activities at 10:00 a.m. Stein hoisting contests occur throughout the weekend, as do children’s games and inflatable rides in the KidZone. The Culture Display celebrates the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, and its effects on Germany and the world. German Genealogy Group members will assist patrons tracing their German roots. The announcement of the Grand Raffle Prize winner of a trip for two to Germany closes the event on Sunday evening.
Delicious Picnic fare includes our signature Schnitzel dinners, sausages, Liederkranz potato salad, sauerkraut, cucumber salad, pretzels, Landjäger, and delicious desserts. Various food vendors ensure that no one goes away hungry. Then there’s the BIER – “the best German Beer selection this side of Munich,” numerous American brews and a specialty craft biergarten. German wines and Jägermeister round out the liquid refreshments.
Besides providing a weekend of outstanding German family fun, food and entertainment, Germanfest Picnic supports community organizations including the Boy Scouts, Special Olympics, Good Neighbor House, St. Vincent DePaul, St. Anne’s Hill Association, and United Rehabilitation Services. Plan now to attend the 34th Annual Germanfest Picnic at RiverScape MetroPark – August 11th, 12th and 13th. Come “Get YOUR Gemütlichkeit on!”
