North Bergen’s Schuetzen Park will come alive with the sounds of German culture on Aug. 14 and 15 for the 136th annual “Oktoberfest,” a two-day folk festival that raises funds for charity.
The Fritz Reuter Altenheim, a home for the aging located at 3161 Kennedy Blvd., will host the event, which is also presented by the Plattduetsche Volksfest-Vareen (PVV) of New York and New Jersey. The PVV is a collection of large German clubs that were instituted in 1974. The PVV founded the Altenheim in 1897.
Every year, traditional German dancing, music, beer, and cuisine are featured. This year’s festival is slated to start at noon each day.
“You don’t have to be German to attend.” – John Lawrora
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Tickets to the festival are $6 for adults and free for children. All proceeds go toward the Altenheim and other charities.
“You don’t have to be German to attend,” said Altenheim spokesperson John Lawrora last week. “It’s like a picnic too, because you sit under a big tent. They can have a few beers or have something to eat [and] enjoy themselves.”
Live music and entertainment
Lawrora said that “The Adlers,” a popular German heritage band from Pennsylvania, will perform on both days.
The PVV’s own “D’Heimatsgruppe” will dance for the audience. Music will also be playing inside the Altenheim’s Senator Lounge.
The festival will also have a schnapps booth that offers apple, corn, and herbal shots.
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The Casino Ball Room will have clowns, ice cream, and a “moonwalk” for children. There will also be entertainment and games, with a full marketplace, for children of all ages.
Authentic food and drink
Volunteers will sell authentic German food, including wursts, leberkase, German regional fish specialties, potato pancakes, and sweet deserts.
“Not too many places have potato pancakes,” said Lawrora.
He said that a “huge beer tent” will feature authentic German brews.
The festival will also have a schnapps booth that offers apple, corn, and herbal shots.
Little Miss Schuetzen contest
The “Little Miss” contest will name a queen, but also reward two princesses and four junior princesses. The winners will receive-custom made gowns and will ride in the annual Steuben Parade, which is scheduled for Sept. 25 on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
Girls who would like to enter may obtain applications by calling (201) 867-3585 at Ext. 249. Each contestant must write an essay about a famous German-American and their contributions or talents in science, medicine, inventions, space exploration, etc. Applications must also include a non-returnable color photograph.
For more information on the event, call (201) 553-9171.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.