September 2001 - Nr. 9
Garden Party Extravaganza
One of the most impressive and prestigious social events of the year took place on August 18th. When the large wrought iron gate in King City opened at one o’clock the first visitors arrived at the estate of Josef Stritzl. The beauty of the large property and the way it had been prepared for the party amazed those guests that had never been to this annual affair.
A
huge yellow and white tent was set up on the manicured lawn complete with
tables and chairs – especially important in case of bad weather. White
tables with umbrellas and chairs were scattered over the rest of the
property. Wonderful German music wafted over the area to make the guests
feel at home even before the band started to play.
Since
this is an annual affair a stage and dance floor had been constructed as a
permanent fixture near the front of the new modern manor that Joe and Maria
had moved into a couple of years ago. The house is an architectural marvel
and garnered much admiration.
The
guests arrived from near and far. A busload of 52 arrived from Kitchener and
another bus with 59 guests came from New York. Both were greeted by the
Mariachi band – aided by Matt Lebar and Peter Beck and host Joe Stritzl,
at the parking lot. They were then serenaded as they walked up to the party
area. About 820 guests attended the party – counting was too difficult;
those that tried gave up after about 400. When Joe and Maria call everyone
responds. This year was especially important since Crown Food Service
Equipment celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Wonderful
entertainment was procured. The wandering, original Mariachi Band mentioned
before, strolled among the tables – at times accompanied by Matt Lebar and
Peter Beck – whose band provided dance music the rest of the day.
Rudi
Ecker, especially flown in from Germany, and his soft bass voice entertained
with maritime songs (Seemannslieder) that everyone knew. Many of the guests
felt the urge to sing along.
The
ever-popular Manni Daum entertained with "Volksmusik" and great
personal charm to the delight of the guests and an Elvis Presley imitator
did his best to look and sound like the king. That brought back a lot of
memories. A rendition by Joe’s daughter Kim Esty of her chart-favourite
"Squeezetoy", as well as some of her other songs, like
"Dancing alone", turned out to be the highlight of the day and won
her raving applause.
Wines
(red and white), beers (local and imported) and soft drinks were freely
available for everyone and Lein’s Delicatessen catered the food:
traditional party platters in the afternoon and sausages and hamburgers at
the beginning of the evening.
The
weather held out, although it looked like rain all afternoon. The overcast
sky gave respite from the hot sun, which peaked frequently through the cloud
cover.
The
Stritzl summer gathering is an opportunity to talk and reminisce, meet new
friends, and renew old acquaintances. It was a great party thanks to Joe and
Maria Stritzl and their famous style and generosity.
(See also our report on Crown Food Service Equipment!)
Dick Altermann
