49th ANNUAL WURSTFEST OPENS WITH FAMILY FUN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW BRAUNFELS, TX – Beginning Oct. 30 and continuing through Nov. 8, the sounds of Germany will rise from the banks of the Comal River as friends and family, young and old, travel from all over the United States and abroad to Landa Park in New Braunfels to celebrate the 49th Annual Wurstfest. The 10-day unique family festival celebrates German heritage while raising funds for the community. But it is so much more. What started in 1961 as a one-day festival honoring a local food has grown into a much-loved event that draws crowds for yearly reunions, get togethers and to make new friends while enjoying a vast variety of German music, food and entertainment. People travel from all over to hear the award-winning Jimmy Sturr Orchestra that has been a Wurstfest tradition since 1990 as much as they do to take part in the polka and waltz contests. The Wurstfest carnival, which was added to the event several years ago, was another way organizers have crafted the festival into a more family-friendly celebration, and includes a Ferris wheel, giant slide and carousel. It also goes without saying that unless you have a special Oma or Opa in your family, there aren’t many places you can find a kartoffel puffer (potato pancake) or a good plate of bratwurst and sauerkraut. Plus, the adventurous types enjoy visiting Wurstfest so they can enjoy their annual fill of kartoffel krispen, knockwurst, bratwurst, wurst-n-taschen. and the like. This is the one time of the year when festival goers can don their lederhosen and dirndls (German dresses) to enjoy the full experience of Wurstfest. “Every year is exciting,” says Executive Director Suzanne Herbelin. “I think because the food, the music, the location, and our members and their families in costume provide an atmosphere and environment that is unmatched by any other community event. Once people enjoy the aura of Wurstfest, their fond memories keep bringing them back.” That “aura” has been described as “gemuetlichkeit” – a German word that can’t really be translated, but conveys a meaning of togetherness or being together with good friends. “The 250-plus ‘Opas’ are already planning for this year’s entertainment and events,” says Herb Skoog, director of Wurst Relations. “Returning this year, in addition to the Grammy-winning talent of the Jimmy Sturr Orchestra, are Alex Meixner, Alpenfest, The Sauerkrauts, Terry Cavanagh & The Alpine Express, Master Yodeler Kerry Christensen, The Seven Dutchmen, The Cloverleafs, Die Schlauberger and many more.” A new event this year will be sponsored by the New Braunfels Historic Railroad and Modelers Society. Other Wurstfest-related events will include Circle Arts Melodrama, The Wurstfest Regatta at Canyon Lake, tours and events at local museums, the Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic, Skat Tournament, Volksmarch (Walkfest) and much more. “It is my honor to invite everyone to come and celebrate sausage during the 49th Wurstfest in New Braunfels. We look forward to seeing you at Wurstfest,” says Bruce Boyer, 2009 Wurstfest President and New Braunfels Mayor. Thirty-five local, non-profit organizations join with the Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels to produce the 10-day celebration. Seventy-six percent of the total dollars spent on the festival grounds during the 10 days is earned by these non-profits who reinvest their earnings in community projects. The Wurstfest Association alone has contributed more than $2 million to community betterment during its 48-year history. “In keeping with economic times, admission prices will remain the same, as they have for the past seven years,” Skoog says. Admission to the Wurstfest grounds will be free from 4 to 7 p.m. on opening night, Oct. 30, with opening ceremonies beginning at 5 p.m. in the Wursthalle with the “Biting of the Sausage.” After 7 p.m., admission to the festival is $8 at the gate; and children ages 12 and younger will be admitted free at all times. Group rates, advance discounts and special weekday promotions are available. For information about Wurstfest, call 830/625-9167 or 1-800-221-4369, or visit the Web site at www.wurstfest.com.
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