John Lawrora has been attending the German-American Folk Festivals that are annually held at Schuetzen Park in North Bergen for many years. Lawrora hasn’t been going for as long as the festivals have been held at the site, with last weekend’s marking the 126th anniversary of the first one in 1875, but the North Bergen resident has been to his fair share over the last five decades.
"I’ve been going to the festivals for years and then started working the festivals in 1966," said Lawrora, who now serves as the secretary for the Folk Festival. "Before I got involved, I thoroughly enjoyed them and they’re still a lot of fun today, although there’s some work involved now."
And although crowds will never approach the number of 125,000 that once flocked to the Folk Festivals in years past, there were still a good 4,000 or so that made it to the two-day event last weekend.
The people in attendance were treated to a variety of German foods and beers, authentic German music and dancing, contests, raffles and fun.
Probably the highlight of the weekend was the appearance of the prestigious German band Die Steinbacher, which was appearing at this festival before heading on to similar appearances in Niagara Falls, Michigan, Chicago and Milwaukee.
Die Steinbacher, perhaps the most popular folk band in Germany, performed for three hours on Saturday and Sunday, delighting both audiences to no end.
"They really get the audiences going," Lawrora said. "It was wonderful that they were able to perform here this year. They have a very busy schedule that they have to keep. So we were fortunate to have them squeeze us in."
Ethel Lundgren, a long-time resident of North Bergen, also loved seeing the popular band.
"You really can’t get enough of their music," Lundgren said. "It makes you tap your feet and clap your hands and sing out loud. And you want more and more. It never seems like you’ve been sitting there for three hours, listening and clapping, because you’re having so much fun. I enjoy their music so much."
Another highlight of the weekend was the performances of Die Heimat’s Gruppe, a German dance company which is based in North Bergen.
"Because they rehearse all the time in Schuetzen Park and they’re from North Bergen, I think a lot of people were excited for them," Lawrora said. "They’re very good dancers."
There were other dance companies and musicians that performed throughout the course of the weekend, including a four-hour concert from German folk singer Peter Vogel, whose performance drew the festival to a close.
There was the Little Miss Schuetzen Park Beauty Pageant for girls ages 8 through 12, which drew a fine crowd. The winner was 10-year-old Christina Hahn of Teaneck, defeating her older sister, 12-year-old Ashley, who was the first runnerup.
Matina Bonilla-Buehl, an 11-year-old contestant from North Bergen, was a finalist in the pageant.
All of the proceeds from the festival went to the Fritz Reuter Altenheim Lifecare Retirement Community.
"Although the final figures haven’t been tabulated, I think we were able to raise a lot of money for the home," Lawrora said. "Most of the stands ran out of food and the crowds were heavy on both days. The rain held up, so that helped. Once again, it was a great two days for all of us."
So much so that Lawrora is already making plans for the 128th Plattduetsche Volksfest.
"I’ll be there," Lawrora said.
You can count on it.