Dick reports...

Carabram and Soccer…

…all at the same time at the Hansa Haus. The annual Carabram festivities were held in the big hall and the soccer fans had the Hansa Stube, upstairs, all to themselves. See, no conflict!

The many visitors were happy with the wonderful décor and the Oktoberfest theme.

The Harmonie Brass Show Band
"Ein Prosit..."

With the “Harmonie Brass Showband” doing all the traditional ‘Umph-pa-pa’ music and the foodservice offering Schnitzels, Bratwurst, Herring salad and other culinary delicacies, the festive mood was enhanced and maintained despite the little rainstorm during the afternoon.

Great service, great food

When visitors got off the bus they were greeted by accordion tunes and when they entered the Hansa Haus and had their passports stamped, the first item they noticed was the display of Heinz Hachenberg’s Police Museum and the intriguing woodcarvings that were available for sale.

Heinz Hachenberg's Police Museum

When they entered the great hall of the German club, they could stop by the booth that was offering the Bavarian Beer Nuts for sale. That was another Oktoberfest tradition.

freshly roasted beer nuts	Wood carvings

The bar offered also a traditional Bavarian ‘Erdinger Weissbeer’ plus the other regular beverages one would expect from the regular bar of the club itself.

The gingerbread house and storytelling

This year an additional theme for visiting families was incorporated into the activities. A Gingerbread house and storytelling sessions - in the lately added addition to the original building - served the visiting families with small fry.

Then there was the teaching of the German language straight with word and text, very impressive.

Teaching German

 Coloring and other artistic endeavors were also encouraged. The kids just loved it, especially the Hansel and Gretel story. Some even asked if the witch was still inside the large Gingerbread House!

The Weiss-Blau Bayern Juniors
Ringing the bells
...and more dances

Of course the highlights of the event were the dance demonstrations by the ‘Weiss-Blau Bayern’ Schuhplattler Juniors and the bell ringers – always a favorite! And then came the performance of the Almrausch Dancers.

The Almrausch Dancers

No, I hadn’t forgotten the soccer fans that were sequestered in the ‘Stube’ restaurant, upstairs. They were pretty downtrodden when the game ended and their favorite did not win. Spain won in the ‘Overtime’ against Argentina. Both were strong teams – and I won $5.00! Well, we will try soccer again in four years! And Carabram, next year!

As always

Dick Altermann