Volksfest celebrates ties with local communities

By Mark Iacampo, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria-HohenfelsApril 27, 2015

Fest Fun
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HOHENFELS, Germany -- Break out the Lederhosen and Dirndl and get ready to party as Hohenfels kicks off its 44th Annual German / American Volksfest April 29 at the Hohenfels Festplatz near Gate One.

The event is intended to strengthen ties between the Hohenfels Military Community and the surrounding towns by bringing people together for fun and festivities.

Besides beer, brats, burgers and bands, the fest features carnival rides and games for all ages, and each day offers some special excitement.

Wednesday's opening ceremonies will include a black powder musket shoot and the Hohenfels Brass Band. After the tapping of the first keg, the 2nd Annual Bavarian Olympics will partner Hohenfels leadership with local mayors in a log sawing contest. Additionally, all rides from 4-6 p.m. will cost only 1 Euro.

Thursday is family day with many rides discounted till 8 p.m. Children can practice their football skills and participate in some friendly competition during "Punt, Pass and Kick" from 4-6 p.m.

It is also "Country and Western" night, and all line dancers are invited to join two German line-dancing groups for some foot-stomping fun at the bumper-car booth at 8 p.m.

On Friday, the Fest opens at 10 a.m. and will include bus tours through the training area. The tours are conducted in German and will cost 3 euro. Tickets can be purchased at the main entrance to the fest.

From Friday on throughout the weekend, the Military Vehicle Display will showcase various vehicles and equipment from the Joint Multinational Readiness Center and the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, as well as from the German Army's 12th Panzer Brigade and 472nd Logistics Battalion stationed in Amberg.

Also on Friday, Hohenfels will host the inaugural Mr. Lederhosen and Miss Dirndl competition. Contestants in their best trachten will compete for the coveted crown beginning 8 p.m. in the main tent.

Saturday, there will be a classic car display featuring up to 50 mustangs and Shelbys from Regensburg and Nuremberg along with historical tractors from the towns of Hohenfels and Hardt.

As part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, there will be an Asian Pacific Islander performance at 1 p.m. in the main tent. Additionally, a fireworks display will light up the sky at approximately 11:30 p.m.

Tours of the training area will again be offered on Sunday, and each day features live bands and dancing in the main tent.

"This is an opportunity for both Americans and Germans to come together and experience German and American food and of course, German and American beer, as we continue to forge and build upon our partnerships and friendships here in the great state of Bavaria," said Mike Haney, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria-Hohenfels manager.

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