Many German-American bands, including the Schwarzenegger Connection and Foehrer Musik Freunde, and traditional German dancing from original Enzian, Schlierachtaler Stamm, Farmingdale High School Tanz Gruppe. Prizes, free rides, balloons, an ice cream parade, and even a Church service and free breakfast on Sunday morning, delighted the Teutonic and non-Teutonic alike.
According to the group, the Volksfest began the spring of 1883, when a group of North German immigrants banded together raise funds and allow them to start charitable works that would help their fellow countrymen and new Americans. Through their hard work and funds raised at subsequent Volksfests, the German-American organization, Plattdeutsche Volksfest Vereen, was able to lay the cornerstone for German Hospital, in Brooklyn in June 1894. This hospital became Wyckoff Heights Hospital.
When these Plattdeutschers were confident that the hospital was running smoothly, they turned their attention and funds to establishing a home for aged on Long Island. The result was The Plattdeutsche Old Folks Home (Altenheim) which was opened in 1921.
So, what better way to continue the effort then with bratwurst, leberkase, potato pancakes, hamburgers and, naturally, beer.
Editor's note: For all those wondering, the computer's spell check did, in fact, crash after reviewing this article. Thank you.
