Gaufest 2007 Memories Page

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Every two years, all of the Schuhplattler clubs of the United States and Canada, plus invited clubs from the European Alpine area, come together to compete in dancing, have workshops in which to learn new dances and music, and celebrate.  During this year's event in Hershey, PA, (Chocolate City, USA!), we not only attended and danced as Schuhplattlers of the Alpenland Tänzer, but we were also invited to perform our most traditional songs and be part of the festivities.  Here are some of our favorite memories of the largest Trachtler gathering in the United States...EVER!

The welcome get-together in the lobby bar.  D'Waidlermusi from Bayern, Scha-Musi, and various jamming musicians entertain arriving guests.   

Fred and Ron sing and yodel at the traditional Bavarian style Frühschoppen, where fresh Weissbier, Weisswurst, sweet mustard and fresh pretzels, but no Coffee, are served at 7:30 in the morning!  Fred's mom and daughter Maria make guest appearances on vocals as well as Ron's son Nick on violin...very much like on our CD:  

Our families visit Hershey Park while we make music back at Hershey Lodge.

...here's what it's all about:  Dance and future...adult and Kindergruppe combined Ehrentanz at the Heimatabend. 

Freddie's own Maria opens the official festivities for 2400 attendees with beautiful a'capella renditions of the Austrian, Canadian, German and United States national anthems.  Very serious and moving business for her, yes, but as a healthy 10 year old, having fun is no less important!  

Many impromptu music and singing sessions just kind of happen at a Gaufest...(Left) Benno (the one with the beer) knows all the old songtexts...and if he doesn't, he makes up new ones as he goes...sometimes these are better and "more colorful" and entertaining than the originals!  (Right) Benno and Ron Harmonizing. 

It doesn't have to be loud and hopping all the time.  Stubenmusic with Zithers on Sunday morning was a nice gentler side too.

Link to a number of Gaufest videos including one of Ron and Nick accompanying three Zither players Sunday morning (Zither Workshop).

Our rare, vintage Kontrabassguitar from Bayern interested string musicians and others alike.  Ron accompanied none other than America's buttonbox maestro Joe Schmiel with it.  (Left) Joe gives a Buttonbox seminar.  (Right) Sally Ann checks out the Kontrabassguitar.        

Twisting by the pool in our Lederhosen.  It doesn't get any better!  Watersafety Notice:  Either buttonbox or guitar may both be used as emergency floatation devices - luckilly, neither needed to be.  ...it's better to use an empty beerkeg...and there were a few of those available!

Nick rocks the house when he sits in with Die Schlauberger once again, playing Fiddler Polka, at the 70's theme party.  Princess Laiya, the Blues Brothers, KISS, Austin Powers, Cheech and Chong and about a dozen Tony Menaros all attended. 

A homemade sandwich at 4AM is always nice!  Texas Schuhplattlers in cool 70's wear, enjoying a late-night Schinken und Käsebrot. 

Thank you Robin Pritz and the Reading club for a super Gaufest 2007! 

If you have any pix to contribute, please contact us!