OAKHURST – Reports out of Europe last fall say that traditional German garb like lederhosen for men and dirndl dresses for women are making a fast fashion comeback.
That’s good news for the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, who recently announced they’re planning the first annual celebration of German Fest for Saturday, Mar. 2 at 6 p.m., at the Oakhurst Community Center.The primary draw for German Fest is the food, according to Chamber representative Michaela Edwards. Organizers promise an authentic four-course dinner with nothing left to chance.
“It’s all made from scratch,” says Edwards. “We actually did a food tasting twice, with the committees, and decided which choices of sausages and dishes are being served. Sandy Miller is heading up the food and cooking committee.” They expect to be cooking in the Community Center kitchen days in advance.
The four-course menu is set to include Deutsches Brot (German bread), Gurkensalat (cucumber salad), Graupeneintopf (barley stew), Sauerkraut, Rotkohl (red cabbage), Kartoffel Kasserole (potato casserole) and two choices of German sausage: Bavarian Bratwurst and beef Knockwurst.
Edwards, originally from Germany, highlighted the difference between the two sausages, as she knows it.
“It’s the mixture of the meat that is being used, and also when you cut into it and bite into it, you taste and hear the difference.” You hear the difference?
“Because the skins of the various sausages crack differently, so that’s why Knockwurst is ‘knock,’ because it’s cracking: when you touch the knife onto the skin and then it bursts already because it’s so tight,” explains Edwards, of the delicious Knockwurst sausage on the menu.
Guests may come prepared to enjoy a raffle, live auction and entertainment. Those whose closets contain the traditional German costume known as “Tracht,” may dress up accordingly.
“If somebody has a dirndl and lederhosen, you are welcome to come dressed up. That would be really good, putting a nice touch on it,” Edwards advises.
Apfestrudel (apple strudel) will be served for dessert. Prost! That’s German for cheers.
Tickets to German Fest are $25 each and can be purchased at Yosemite Bank, Central Valley Community Bank, Oakhurst Feed & Pet Supply, Sullivan’s Tire Pros and at the Chamber of Commerce.
Sierra Telephone is one of the event sponsors, along with Jasper Engines & Transmissions, Cooper Tires and Sullivan’s Tire Pros.
Contact the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce at 683-7766 for more information.
