BRUMBELOW READY TO GREET AND MEET AS GROSSE OPA

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact C. Herb Skoog

NEW BRAUNFELS, TX – Lawrence “Larry” Brumbelow is not from New Braunfels – at least not technically.

“I moved here at the tender age of 2 in 1946,” he says.

The 49th annual Wurstfest begins on Friday, Oct. 30 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Wurstfest grounds in Landa Park along the beautiful Comal River.

Brumbelow grew up here and graduated from New Braunfels in 1962. He began attending Wurstfest since its inception (in 1961) and joined the member association in 1983. Anyone wanting to know about the history of Wurstfest, how it began, how it was held for a while in the Rathskeller, the basement of a burned out department store, he is the man to ask. Who better to serve as this year’s Grosse Opa?

“Grosse Opa is an honorary position appointed by the current Wurstfest president with the specific duty to see that all who attend the fest have a great time,” Brumbelow says. “The Grosse Opa will be available to greet guests, kiss babies, hug ladies, shake hands, eat sausage, consume beverages, distribute buttons, look great in photo ops, and promote Wurstfest to any and all.”

Each year the Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels selects one of their members to serve as “Grosse Opa.” This honorary title, meaning “Big Granddaddy” is bestowed upon a member for his loyalty, dedication and willingness to participate. This individual serves as the official “Spass Meister” (fun master) and is responsible for demonstrating “Gemuetlichkeit” … which means fun and fellowship in the German tradition.

Brumbelow says Wurstfest has evolved into a family-oriented festival that has held its own among many other Texas festivals.

“We’ve diversified a lot,” he says. “We added things for kids. We added arts and crafts. We added tents for more live entertainment. For an 8 buck ticket for all day, you have access to three different stages with live music. And we have nice grounds.”

Brumbelow has served on a number of Wurstfest committees – including Gates, Wursthalle, Entrances, Finance, Concession and Information Booth. He was named a Kleine Opa in 1983, an Opa in 1987, served as President in 1997 and serve as Opa Emeritus in 2003.

Brumbelow married Jerri Jacoby in1965. They have been married for 44 years. They have two children and three grandchildren. Brumbelow attended Southwest Texas State (now Texas State) and served as Staff Sgt. in the United States Army Reserve for six years. He worked as a banking officer for 34 years before retiring. He is now managing partner of Homeland Septic, LLC.

Brumbelow is a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the Comal County Fair Association. He also serves as a life member and Blue Coat with the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce.

The Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels is a non-profit corporation whose purpose is to promote the local economy through tourism and promote and preserve the community’s rich German heritage. Proceeds from the event benefit a wide variety of projects.

Admission to the Wurstfest grounds will be free from 4 to 7 p.m. on opening night, Oct. 30. After that, 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.