WIESBADEN, Germany - "We work very hard to make this a family festival."
That's how Wiesbaden Family and MWR Special Events Manager Joe Harris described the upcoming 2016 German American Friendship Fest.
Promising five entertainment-packed days of friendship and fun, Harris said this year's fest offers something for everyone. "We always try to change up the rides every year, and this year we'll have a roller coaster, giant swings and a Ferris wheel," among a host of other amusements.
"Americans can bring their German neighbors (or people can come on their own) and hopefully the fest will play a role in building lasting friendships," Harris said.
Scheduled to be held in the former shopping center in Hainerberg Housing June 30 through July 4, the fest welcomes everyone daily from noon to midnight.
Featuring a wide range of live and DJ music from classic rock to rockabilly, reggae to old school funk and country, highlights include performances by the Doug Adkins Country Rock Band, the "Kicks and Sticks" Hessen Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Smokin' Scarecrows among others. (Editor's note: See the German American Friendship Fest link on the Wiesbaden Family and MWR home page -- wiesbaden.armymwr.com -- for the complete schedule of entertainment.)
The fest concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on July Fourth in celebration of the United States of America's 240th birthday.
"This year the beer garden will be larger than last year," Harris said. Food and drink specialties will include traditional American fare -- hamburgers, cheeseburgers, pizzas, corn dogs, ribs, chili, chicken tenders, margaritas, daiquiris and tacos. International fest food offerings include European specialties -- wursts, Italian pizzas, garlic bread -- and a rich assortment of sweet treats such as cotton candy, ice cream, slushies and more.
"Due to the fact that it's five days this year, we've really packed in the entertainment, amusements and other offerings," Harris said. "The close-out, of course, is the big Fourth of July celebration with fireworks."
Everyone attending the fest is encouraged to use public transportation or to walk, Harris added, explaining that no parking will be available at the fest site or in Hainerberg Housing.
"Visitors can take the bus to the Berliner Strasse bus stop and enter through the pedestrian gate," Harris said. "People who decide to drive should follow signs to off-post parking locations and then likewise enter through the pedestrian gate."
Harris added that no large bags, coolers, backpacks, bottles or pets will be allowed on the fest grounds. There will also be a 100-percent bag check at the two access points.
A special Family Day will be featured on Thursday, June 30, with 50 percent off all rides and games. A free soda will be available that day with the purchase of a meal at Family and MWR food booths.
Organizers said that in addition to the entertainment, amusements and culinary offerings, visitors can also enjoy military and civilian static displays.
"The German-American Friendship Fest is the garrison's opportunity to open our doors and offer some American hospitality to our German neighbors and friends," said Col. Todd Fish, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden commander. "This is our chance to say 'Danke Schön" to the city of Wiesbaden and celebrate a friendship that has grown over many decades and we hope will continue well into the future."
For more information check out Wiesbaden Family and MWR on Facebook.
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