November 2003 - Nr. 11
Early Mardi Gras Start
If I would write my report in German I would probably head it "Es war eine rauschende Ballnacht". Obviously this is not possible so I will just say "it was a grand event - a night to remember".
With
the blessings of the BDKK the coronation of the new ‘Royal Couple’ took
place at the Continental Austrian Club in Burlington, hosted by the youngest
Carnival Society in Ontario, the 1.KG Ascendia, Hamilton. Aware of the fact
that "Carnival" does not officially open until the 11.11. of any year,
special dispensation had been sought and granted.
One
carnival society took this very seriously; they attended but did not wear
their traditional uniforms. Well, one can argue the value of traditions with
all the global changes
going
on and where many ‘traditions’ are allowed to fall by the wayside. However,
this is in no way meant to be criticism – just an observation – but their
valuable point was noted!
Well
over 200 guests witnessed the installation of Martin Heinrich and his
daughter as his Foolish Highness "Prince Heinrich I." and her Loveliness
"Princess Marta I.", both from Hamilton, very ably and ceremoniously
officiated by Cornell Brüggeman.
The conclusion one can logically draw from this happening? Carnival is not quite dead in Canada, yet!
The young teenage princess had invited a bevy of her friends to this event, who loved every minute of it. Maybe some of them get the carnival bug and provide the young blood that the German Mardi Gras movement so sorely needs. If they bring their boyfriends and other friends, the next time they attend one of the functions with the new princess, they may also get infected. Especially now that carnival has changed to being celebrated mostly in English, rather than all in ‘German’. (Something Prince Martin and his Princess had insidiously planned and are hoping that it will work).
This,
by the way, was the first exposure of the young princess to Mardi Gras – or
the German "Carnival" – and she took to it like a duck to water. I think she
realised that carnival is serious fun – at least to the Germans.
After
the coronation, cooks brought a roasted pig and a huge flaming pot roast
into the hall, for the guests to admire. A delicious dinner was served
shortly thereafter. Kudos to Helmut Schöller and his "Zum Linzer" restaurant
in Hamilton for a job well done!
Entertainment continued seamlessly. When Joe Lindlau’s band wasn’t playing for the dancers other entertainment was in progress.
The
Six Nations from Brantford had sent the "White Pine" dancers with a
wonderful demonstration of Indian cultural dances – including a "hoop dance"
with 16 hoops. Wonderfully done with beautiful costumes and greatly
appreciated by the audience!
The
713 Squadron of the Air Cadets from Stoney Creek had sent a great little
military band to the event, and the 1.KG Blau-Weiss, Sarnia had sent their
Senior and Junior ‘Garde’ to entertain with well-rehearsed guard dances.
It
was just like some of the carnival functions that
most of us remember from the "good old days" with visiting "Royals" and
carnival societies from as far away as Detroit, Sarnia, Kitchener and London
etc.
Since the German Club in Brantford celebrated a 50th anniversary on the same day, we unfortunately had to miss a delegation from the Narragonia, Brantford.
Bar service was also great with Warsteiner and the new Krombacher beers ‘favourites’ – only the line-ups were a little long at times, reflecting that all this fun also makes one thirsty.
There is really so much more I could write about but there just isn’t that much room in the paper this month. If you would like to see more pictures of the event go to our website at www.echoworld.com under "Dick reports".
For the first time in this session of carnival I close with the traditional:
Alaaf, Helau and Ahoi
Dick Altermann
