Come on over! You are invited to one of the most colorful and German-delicious events of the year – the “Erntedankfest,” to be held on Sunday, September 18, and made possible by the German-American Cultural Center – Library of the Sacramento Turn Verein.
“Erntedankfest” translates to “Harvest Festival,” a basic annual event long celebrated by our German ancestors, who worked their farms with unforgettable sweat and diligence, and too often against terrible odds, given the storms, droughts and pestilences that were constant dangers for farmers' families. The state of each year's harvest served to predict – happily or with dread and fear – the stock of food that would be storied in cellars and pantries over the upcoming winter months. The Erntedankfest was, and still is, a giving of thanks for the fruits of the harvest – in one of the most colorful of German traditions.
We'll start off on the 18th with an Erntedankfest procession of adults and children leading a harvest wagon, parading to the strains of band-tempo music. All those in the procession will be dressed in their Trachten (traditional festival outfits), and carrying fruits, vegetables, grains, and flowers to place on the “altar” – as has been done for centuries in German village churches. Bring your camera if you like, as the scene will be well worth remembering. A brief slide-show will be offered to display beautiful scenes of the German harvest, as well as the tools and objects of barn and home that contributed to everydayfarm life.
We'll offer you a dinner consisting of German-traditional dishes, featuring Jägerschnitzel, Rotkohl (red cabbage), roasted potatoes and salad. (Special fare will be offered for vegetarians.) The meal will end with a dessert concocted by our fabulous German baker, Blattlers by Hoffmann. Drinks will be available at the bar.
SPECIAL NOTE: This year – one that has been especially difficult for so many people in Sacramento – we ask that each person attending bring at least one item of non-perishable food to contribute to the Sacramento Food Bank. Donations of money (cash or checks, payable to “Sacramento Food Bank”) may be substituted for food items. We're hoping to make the fall “harvest” a bit more plentiful for Sacramentans in need.
DETAILS:
The event: A German “Erntedankfest” (Harvest Festival)
When: Sunday, September 18, starting at 4 p.m.
Where: In the Banquet Hall of the Sacramento Turn Verein, at 3349 J Street
Admission: $20 per person ($10 for children 12 and under)
R.S.V.P. Preferred. Send your check (payable to “GACC-L”) to: Gisela Parker,
3462 Patterson Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
For further information: 916-421-8032 (Identify yourself when asked electronically, and we pick up the phone and talk to you, if we're at home. Otherwise, leave a message for a call-back.)
WELCOME TO THIS GERMAN CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER! (Shirley Riemer)
posted by Sandra Gardner Benward for Society Saturday
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