The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
One of summer’s highlights is the annual Sommer Oktoberfest hosted at the Donauschwaben German-American Cultural Center • Cleveland located at Lenau Park in Olmsted Falls.
The Sommer Oktoberfest took place last weekend, Aug. 17-19, bringing authentic German music, food and activities to this cultural center on Columbia Road.
Things started Friday night as the Donauschwaben Brass Band Blaskapelle filled the giant party tent with the traditional sounds of German music. A ceremonial keg tapping followed, and that set the stage for a weekend of great food, music and song.
The youth dance group Jugendgruppe brought joy and energy to the floor as mugs were lifted and guests enjoyed menu delights like pork and chicken schnitzel, potato pancakes and strudel.
A highlight is always the children’s dance group Kindergruppe, which ensures that the tradition of German folk music is shared through the generations.
A cultural dance group Kulturgruppe added to the appreciation of the German heritage, as did the Schuhplatter slap-dancers.
The Cleveland Donauschwaben includes a very active membership of all ages that enjoys participating in a many groups and activities. Without the hard work and dedication of all of their ancestors, the traditions they have kept, the friendships that have formed, and the memories that have been made would not have been possible.
The goals of the German-American Cultural Center are to promote and continue the traditions of the Donauschwaben ancestors through the language, song, dance, music, dress and customs of their ancestors. They pay tribute to their ancestors that have endured so many hardships and worked so hard to give the future generations so much.
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