Story written by The 812's Sue Siefert
(OLDENBURG, Ind.) – The Town of Oldenburg was settled in 1817 and has always been known as a peaceful village of welcoming folks.
Throughout the year, the occasional tourist bus or visiting motorcycle cruise-in as folks seek the peaceful respite of a time gone by … and some authentic German food for which the ’Burg is known.
1976 was the start of an exciting time in the ‘Burg’s history as our country marked its Bicentennial, celebrations were held across the nation – and Oldenburg celebrated with its own “Festival of Fun”.
I attended the inaugural “Festival of Fun” in 1976, but to ensure that I share with readers a true history of the fest, I chatted with Oldenburgers Jeff Paul and Gary Munchel so our combined memories together with the fest’s historical documents comprise this history that I share.
Jeff began with his recollection, “In 1976 as our country was celebrating our Bicentennial,, Oldenburg formed a committee to mark this occasion with the general chairmen for the Bicentennial committee consisting of Bob Dunevant, Willie Suttmann, and Bob and Eddie Obermeyer. There were many other volunteers heavily involved with meetings held at King's Tavern on Pearlen Strasse. The committee’s inaugural “Festival of Fun” drew a great crowd and profited just shy of $2000. – which was a considerable amount in 1976.”
On April 24, 1977, the first Freudenfest meeting was held at King's Tavern with my dad, Gilbert Munchel, Joe Shotwell, Dorothy King, Metz and Skeeter Paul, Jack Bogenschutz, and from the town council Dave Wahman and Bob Pulskamp present."
"July 30, 1977 was the date set for the first Freudenfest.”
In looking through the fest’s files, Jeff commented, “The 1977 fest’s menu reflects Lunches for $1.75, Brats and Metts .60; Hot Dogs .40; Whole chickens $3.50 and half chickens $1.75 while beer was .50 a can.
He added that the most popular beers were Strohs, Falls City and Hudepohl during the inaugural Freudenfest.
Gary was quick to add, “The fest gradually grew over the years but in 1987 as the town celebrated its Sesquicentennial it really blossomed! The year 2000 saw another spike. In 2012 There was another big increase as the town celebrated 175 years of its founding. Originally only domestic can beer was available but as the desire to host a more authentic German event, German draft beers were introduced.”
Little did the 1976 “Festival of Fun” Committee know how their vision would grow to draw visitors from across the U.S. and from foreign countries seeking to have a good time in German fashion!
This year there will be approximately 15 German Beers on tap plus domestic can beers and local wines with Eric Heppner at the helm as chairperson.
WATCH: Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb stopped by Freudenfest a few years ago:
Through the years on the third weekend of July the peacefulness of the ’Burg morphs into the oompah-pah excitement of the two-day Freudenfest complete with an impressive line-up of German and American food and entertainment, dachshund races, games, contests and more as festers get their “Freud On!”
Saturday morning begins with the Freudenfest Workout with the Radfahrn – Countryside Bike Ride, the Oldenburg Academy’s Twister Lauf – a 5K Run, or the Die Wanderung – a Countryside Walk – German attire is optional … but it sure adds to the fun!
One can witness the afternoon’s Dachshund Race, or partake in the “Chicken Dance”, chucking rubber chickens in the “Naked Chicken Toss” or test one’s skills at the stein-holding contest.
From the German bands and whimsical polkas filling the air, to the strolling accordion duo to the appetizing aromas wafting from the amazing food court offering the fests’ renowned sauerkraut balls, Reuben sandwiches and more – festival goers arrive from many of the fifty states and several foreign countries for today’s version of the “Festival of Fun!”
A festival of this magnitude relies upon the dedication of a Village of Volunteers who come together months in advance to roll thousands of sauerkraut balls and to conduct planning meetings … and a week in advance, often with kids in tow, to bring the fest into reality … and many return the day after, often at a slower pace than the week before, to tuck the fest away following its two-day run and allow the chirping of crickets and the songs of the birds to be heard again.
Since its inception, proceeds from the fest have funded the brick-lined Pearlen Strasse, the restoration of the Onion Dome which appears as one of the four steeples in the Village of Spires, along with many other community improvements and multiple college scholarships … all because the “Festival of Fun” Committee had a vision in 1976 to bring people together for a good time which is now tagged as the “BIGGEST Little German Festival in Indiana!”
Story written by Sue Siefert who is a contributing writer for The 812.
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