July, 2005 - Nr. 7
Dick reports...
Fun in the Sun!
It was sunny all right at the Germania Park, when the
Narrhalla 58, Hamilton, hosted its annual picnic, very sunny indeed with
temperatures well over 30 degrees C and the humidex hovered around 42
degrees Celsius.
But that didn’t stop the visitors from arriving in good
time from all over Ontario to join. Unfortunately not as many guests showed
up as were expected – last year you almost couldn’t get a seat – it could
most likely be blamed on the heat.
The secret of the success of these rare ‘get-togethers’ is
not the promise of cold beer and a schnitzel dinner, but rather the
opportunity to meet old friends and lovers of carnival in a
social setting
that is conducive to exchanging experiences and discussing trivia in a
relaxing situation.
Guests could choose from staying inside the clubhouse
where "Cyril
– One-Man-Band-5" played for their entertainment on his
accordion, and with all the electronic help he has it did sound like a 5-
man
band – or they could sit outside in the shade - of what used to be the rifle
range.
The clubhouse and the rifle range were originally conceived and built by the club’s ‘Hunter & Fisher’ subgroup, some years ago. We took a little tour and learned quite a bit about this favourite spot of the German Hamiltonian community.
The Germania Park itself – since 1966 - is nestled on the
shore of Lake Niapenko, originally a small, pond that was greatly enlarged
by the local government as a recreational venue.
When you turn in at the
gate you travel a charming winding gravel road to the club area. Lots of
parking is available at the inviting looking white clubhouse the hunters had
built.
When you look around you see a great number of camping trailers towards the west of the park. About 35 of them have found a home in this wonderfully serene wilderness, so close to civilization. Some of the campers spend almost the whole year there. A number of the trailers are up to 27 feet long and are frequently accompanied by a deck, storage shed and a bit of fencing.
Another building houses all the amenities like washrooms,
fridges and kitchen area. It was build by the club itself about 8 yeas ago.
There even is a
small chapel. A local clergy holds services there once a
year.
This clubhouse is not quite as large, but sufficient for many club-related activities. The Skat Club regularly holds their competitions there for example.
Just below this building is a paved area with a stone fence on three sides, where the Schuhplattler or the Dance Guard can practice or perform for an audience, or where dances can be held with the help of a DJ.
A small memorial area
honours members who have past on and
whose names are shown
on small plastic plaques. No one is forgotten.
We joined the Fun in the Sun event after our little tour
where by now
the cooks and kitchen-helpers had started the BBQ’s and the
huge pot for the Sauerkraut.
The smell of the schnitzels and sausages
started to fill the area, drawing the hungry to the well-deserved meal. To
accompany the meat, potato salad, sauerkraut and a great variety of
condiments were served.
To all who attended it was probably an uplifting
experience and kudos to all those who have or had a hand in keeping the Germania Park alive.
"Summer Fest" at the Donauschwaben
The weather was perfect at the 200 acre Park Waldheim near Lake Scugog. This jewel is property of the Association of Danube Swabians and only available to members and their guests.
We arrived Sunday morning in
time for the mass by Fr. Karl Hoeppe C.SS.R – which is always an uplifting
experience. The last time we attended the mass was late because
Pope Paul
was at the celebration in Downsview at July 28, 2002 and father Hoeppe had
to attend his boss’s wishes. Summer Fest is
planned as an annual two-day
event and the "European Connection" entertained on Saturday while the
"Variations" had the floor on Sunday. They also provided the musical
requirements accompanying the well-attended morning mass.
What followed was of course dinner for the guests, with a
choice of chicken or schnitzel. Both servings
were large and delicious and
accompanied by potatoes, mixed veggies and a tasty salad.
Some of the
visitors ate on picnic tables under the trees, outside of the large
clubhouse – however most remained inside, where there was plenty of room for
all at the well-decorated tables and comfortable chairs.
Later some of the younger crowd took advantage of the large
swimming pool and diving board. No one complained about the water
temperature – quite cool, since a stream runs through it, but it is
providing fresh water all the time. I learned that "It’s only cold the first
time you jump in".
From the diving board
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Fun in and around the pool
The park also features a number of residences - for club
members only including some very elaborate and beautiful family homes. These
houses cannot be sold to outsiders but must remain in the hands of club
members or their heirs – who must also be members of the Danube-Swabian
Club.
That important stipulation assures longevity of the club-property and a home for the descendents of the original founders. Someone has been thinking ahead!
The 11-men "Variations" band entertained for the balance of
the afternoon with a rich palette of well-loved melodies.
This "Summer Fest" is planned to be an annual event, from now on, and only one of many scheduled at this beautiful venue.
How about a "Wine Fest" and "Winter Fest"?
As always,
Dick Altermann
Comments to: dick@echoworld.com
