Germanfest has been voted #3 festival in the region - but what is it that keeps festival goers coming back?
Germanfest Picnic returns this weekend August 11-13
The annual Germanfest Picnic in Dayton in beautiful, historic St. Anne's Hill, one of Dayton's original German neighborhoods, has been voted #3 festival in the region - but what is it that keeps festival goers coming back? Obviously, the awesome potato salad and schnitzels have something to do with it - but is there more to Germanfest?
1. The Food
Most Festgoers do cite the authentic German food as their favorite attraction including the awesome potato salad, sauerkraut, and schnitzels as well as hard to find German Brötchen. Add home-made ice cream and funnel cakes.
2. The Beer
Germanfest offers the best festival line up of beers around including the first Munich Oktoberfest beers of the season and an impressive array of craft beers with tasting flights. Popular wines and Schnaps are also available.
3. The Spass Platz (Fun Tent)
The popular dance floor in the big tent attests to the fun German music and events centered at the Platz - from the opening ceremony on Friday to the last "Ein Prosit" on Sunday afternoon.
4. Cultural Exhibit this year features "The Grimm Brothers and their Fairy Tales."
5.The Markt Platz
These tents along Fifth Street near Keowee feature vendors offering German imports, traditional clothing, soccer shirts, and souvenirs along with collectibles, steins, books, jewelry, and handmade crafts.
6. The Kidz Zone
The zone in Bomberger Park on Fifth Street Park includes games at the Kinder Korner. Buck, the Magic German Cowboy will be entertaining throughout the day on Saturday. There are also several clever "Photo-Op" locations throughout the festival area.
7. The Community Support
In addition to purchases from local food, beverage, and service providers, the Germanfest Picnic provides financial and other support for numerous charitable organizations including Special Olympics, United Rehabilitation Services, and several church groups.
8. Historic St. Anne's Hill
The Liederkranz Turner Clubhaus is one of the most distinctive features of this original German neighborhood. The festival footprint extends from the Clubhaus to include Bomberger Park, and Fifth Street from Keowee to Dutoit Streets.
9. Plenty of FREE Parking right across the street on Saturday and Sunday at Stivers HS, and all weekend long at the SOITA Center on the corner of Fifth and Keowee. Just follow the signs.
10. The Local Bands A new stage in Bomberger Park provides a venue for some of Dayton's favorite Bands, such as GSMO, The Fries, Locking Up Otis, Pandora Effect, and Bucket List.
