Embracing German-American Day: Tradition, Culture, and Connection

German American History, German Heritage Talk

October 6th is a date that holds special significance for all those with a connection to German Heritage in the United States.

It’s the day when we come together to celebrate National German-American Day, a time-honored tradition that commemorates the rich history and cultural contributions of German immigrants to America.

As we raise our steins and put on our lederhosen and dirndls, let’s dive into the fascinating history of German-Americans in the U.S., explore some fun and festive ways to mark this special occasion. Discover a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow German-Americans through the “German Heritage USA CLUB” on the O-NET Social Media platform powered by ONPASSIVE technologies.

President Ronald Reagan’s Proclamation:

Before we delve into the history of German-American Day and the ways to celebrate it, let’s pay tribute to President Ronald Reagan, himself of German ancestry.

In 1983, President Reagan proclaimed October 6 as German-American Day, a significant moment that underscores the importance of this celebration in American culture.

This proclamation was made to honor and celebrate the 300th anniversary of German immigration to the United States and their enduring cultural influence. On August 6, 1987, Congress further solidified this celebration by approving S.J. Resolution 108, designating October 6, 1987, as German-American Day.

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9 Must-Have Tips for your Ultimate Backyard Biergarten Oktoberfest Neighborhood Party

German Heritage Talk

When the leaves start to turn fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the crisp autumn breeze fills the air, it can only mean one thing: Oktoberfest season is here! While the traditional Oktoberfest in Munich typically starts in September, there’s nothing stopping you from hosting your own backyard Oktoberfest in early October.

With the promise of cooler days and the vibrant colors of seasonal flowers, your neighborhood party is bound to be a hit. Here are nine essential ingredients to make your Oktoberfest celebration a resounding success.

1. A Dash of Oktoberfest History

Before you start planning your backyard bash, it’s essential to understand why Oktoberfest traditionally begins in September. The origin of Oktoberfest dates back to October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The people of Munich celebrated with horse races, and the festivities extended into early October. Over time, the festival was moved to September to take advantage of better weather. So, don’t be surprised if your party starts in October—it’s all about embracing the spirit of the original Oktoberfest!

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From Horses to Light Bulbs: The Fascinating Journey of Oktoberfest

German Heritage Talk

Ladies and gentlemen, grab your steins and don your lederhosen because it’s that time of year again – Oktoberfest! That’s right, Oktoberfest 2023 is kicking off today on September 16th, marking the start of two weeks of joyous celebration, hearty German cuisine, and, of course, plenty of beer.

But did you know that this beloved festival has a rich history dating back over two centuries? Today, we’re embarking on a journey through time, exploring the origins of Oktoberfest, its transformation from horse races to beer revelry, and a delightful twist involving a young Albert Einstein.

Origins of Oktoberfest: A Royal Wedding Celebration

Our tale begins in 1810 in the heart of Bavaria, Munich. On October 12th of that year, the crown prince of Bavaria, who would later become King Louis I, tied the knot with Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The occasion was grand and joyous, and the entire city was invited to join in the celebration. Imagine a royal wedding turned city-wide party, complete with feasts and horse races.

The excitement and merriment of that day resonated with the people of Munich, leaving them wanting more. And so, the ‘Landwirtschaftlicher Verein in Bayern’ (Bavarian Agricultural Association) stepped in to organize and carry forward the festivities. As history has taught us, significant events tend to follow one another in rapid succession, and by 1813, the first Oktoberfest had to be canceled due to the Napoleonic wars.

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The Delightful Journey of Pretzels: From Germany to America

German Heritage Talk

When it comes to iconic snacks that have left an indelible mark on American taste buds, few treats can match the popularity and unique charm of pretzels. These salty, twisted delights have a long and fascinating history, originating in Germany and finding their way into the hearts (and stomachs) of Americans across the nation. In this journey through time, we explore how German pretzels made their way from the old world to the new, becoming a beloved culinary tradition in the United States.

The story of pretzels dates back to the early Middle Ages in southern Germany, where monks in monasteries began baking these distinctive snacks as a reward for children who learned their prayers. The shape of the pretzel, often associated with arms folded in prayer, quickly became a symbol of spiritual unity and blessing. As the years went by, this twisted bread gained popularity and began to be sold by bakers in local markets.

With waves of German immigrants arriving in America in the 18th and 19th centuries, pretzels soon found their way to the shores of the New World. These immigrants brought not only their hopes and dreams but also their cherished culinary traditions, and pretzels were no exception. The Pennsylvania Dutch, a German-speaking community, played a pivotal role in introducing pretzels to the American culinary landscape.

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Embracing the Treasures of German Heritage in the Heart of America

German Heritage Talk

The vast tapestry of American heritage is woven with threads from all corners of the globe, and perhaps one of the most vibrant and impactful threads is the rich legacy of German Heritage. From the moment German settlers first set foot on American soil to the waves of immigration that followed, their contributions have left an indelible mark on the cultural, economic, and social fabric of the United States.

Journey with us as we delve into the inspiring tales at “German Heritage USA” and explore the remarkable achievements of early German immigrants, from beloved sports icons like Babe Ruth to visionary Beer Barons and automotive pioneers.

A Tapestry Woven in Time: German Roots Unearthed

The roots of German influence in America run deep, encompassing an astonishing array of traditions and achievements. Spanning from the 17th century to the early 20th century, German immigrants were among the vanguard of those who shaped the destiny of the New World. These pioneers brought with them more than just dreams; they brought their values, work ethic, and resilience, which became the cornerstone of some of America’s most iconic brands, like Levi Strauss & Co., Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Johnson Controls. But their impact extended far beyond the realm of business. 

Building a Nation, One Piece at a Time: Contributions in Culture and Commerce

The captivating story of German influence on American soil begins with the pioneers who sought new horizons and a fresh start. Their tireless work ethic German Farmers and craftsmen. That entrepreneurial spirit helped lay the foundation for thriving industries, from farming to manufacturing.

Through their tireless dedication, these pioneers sowed the seeds of success that would later blossom into some of America’s most flourishing businesses. As the nation grew, so did the rich tapestry of German Heritage, entwining itself in the very fabric of everyday life.

From cherished culinary delights like sausages, potato salads, pretzels, and beer to the harmonious strains of polka, classical music, and jazz, German culture intertwined with American society in ways that continue to captivate and inspire. Time-honored celebrations like family picnics,  Oktoberfest, and traditional Christmas markets have become annual fixtures, uniting communities in a shared appreciation for the enduring gifts of German Heritage.

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German Heritage USA Blog: Embarking on an Exciting Journey of Rediscovery

German Heritage Talk

Greetings, dear readers! Get ready to be swept away on a thrilling voyage of rediscovery as we unveil the revitalized German Heritage USA Blog.

I’m Brian Hingst, the original visionary behind this digital haven that is German Heritage USA, and I’m here to share the exhilarating plans that are poised to reshape the vast landscape of German heritage appreciation in the United States.

Cast your mind back to that fateful day in 2011 when German Heritage USA first came to life – a daring experiment to explore the realms of German Heritage through the medium of a blog.

Over the past twelve years, our platform might have seemed dormant, but little did you know that we were nurturing a grand vision, waiting for the perfect moment to unveil it to the world.

Get ready to feast your eyes on a brand-new, simplistic website design that’s as inviting as a multi-layered sandwich, each tier unveiling a tantalizing morsel of German culture, history, and lifestyle.

But that’s not all – we’re introducing a fresh perspective to our content creation. Brace yourselves for a whirlwind tour through topics ranging from the delectable flavors of German cuisine, the pulse-pounding beats of entertainment, the seamless fusion of tradition and technology, and the boundless horizons of travel exploration.

As if that weren’t enough, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our very own e-commerce hub, where you can snag a piece of German Heritage for yourself.

Also, go ahead and immerse yourself in our German Heritage USA Swag Shop, brimming with merchandise and clothing that proudly flaunts our unique brand. It’s more than just a shop; it’s an expression of your passion for German Heritage. We of German ancestry, if only a little bit are a unique and proudful club or tribe after all!

But hold onto your lederhosen because the excitement doesn’t end there! Prepare to be captivated by the allure of our upcoming NEW Social Media German Heritage Club, a social media platform like no other. We’ve concocted something truly extraordinary that will connect THOUSANDS of fellow German Heritage enthusiasts like never before. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on the marvels we have in store.

At the heart of it all, German Heritage USA is your gateway to a realm of discovery and appreciation. Our tagline – “Discovering German Heritage traditions, foods, music, and festivals across America coast to coast” – perfectly encapsulates our mission. We’re your ultimate resource for unearthing the hidden gems of German-related businesses, clubs, organizations, and events across the USA.

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Beethoven Maennerchor adds food to its menu

German Food, German Heritage USA, German Restaurants USA


The famed beer hall serves bratwursts, Reuben sandwiches and more along with beer. The beer has flowed regularly throughout the 152-year history of Beethoven Maennerchor, but as of earlier this summer, the famed German beer hall in Southtown has added food to the festivity. Beethoven is now selling bratwursts ($6) topped with sauerkraut and Reuben sandwiches ($7) daily, as well as rotating specials that include dishes like German goulash, sauerbraten, spätzle and soft pretzels. And every Wednesday, it’s offering up a “Chef’s Choice” special that will feature other authentic German dishes.

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    Asheville restaurateurs pamper your palate in Erwin

    German Food, German Restaurants USA


    Dear Readers, may I present to you Ms. Janis MacGregor and Mr. David Outar, a pair of restaurateurs from just over the hill in Asheville, North Carolina. MacGregor and Outar own and run Asheville’s Bavarian Restaurant and Biergarten on the north end of town at the Woodfin suburb. It is a popular place, being much frequented by customers from Tennessee, who were not shy about entreating the pair to open a new restaurant on this side of Sams Gap. Well, the pair looked at many different locations throughout the Tri-Cities before choosing 202 Union St. in the town of Erwin as the location of their restaurant and naming it the Pampered Palate Café

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      Hurrying Slowly: The Mosel in 22 Days

      German River Cruising

      In the small hours of a rainy night in Neumagen-Dhron, Germany, peering idly from our hotel window, I saw something that looked like a shadowy train, with an occasional lighted window, passing slowly and silently beyond a thin screen of trees lining the river. There are no train tracks by the river in Neumagen-Dhron, so I watched for a full minute, mystified, as the long apparition glided by and finally out of sight.
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        BIEROCKS: A GERMAN-RUSSIAN TREAT IN AMERICA

        German Food, German Recipes

        Bierocks. Sounds like a combination of a German beer festival and a rock concert. (That would actually be a good promo name for such an event!)
        I had never heard of Bierocks until a German Life reader wrote to ask me about them. She was an American from Kansas, who had also lived in Germany, and she had just finished reading my new memoir-cookbook, T-Bone Whacks and Caviar Snacks: Cooking with Two Texans in Siberia and the Russian Far East. Her question: “The ethnic German-Russians in western Kansas and the Mennonites prepare a pie similar to pirozhki [in the cookbook], stuffed with ground beef or sausage, onion, and sauerkraut, that they call Bierocks. I had never heard that name in Germany. Do you have any idea of its origin?
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          Local German restaurants feel the pain of Wurstfest cancellation

          German Festivals USA, German Food, German Restaurants USA

          NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — A highly anticipated event every fall, Wurstfest is among one of the largest events recently canceled in Central Texas due to the coronavirus pandemic. In 60 years of the festival’s history, organizers have never had to cancel. The event brings thousands of visitors every year to Central Texas to enjoy German culture, food, drinks and music. The German festival brings thousands of visitors and tourism to Central Texas.

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            Schnitzel Haus asks community for help on GoFundMe page

            German Food, German Restaurants USA

            With restaurants struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic and unable to provide indoor dining, a Bay Ridge favorite is asking for help. Schnitzel Haus, the German restaurant at 7319 5th Ave., has been in the community for 13 years and owner Alfred Urban has created a GoFundMe page to help pay the rent. “I’m not the type of person that asks for help, but unfortunately we have nowhere to turn right now,” he wrote. “Schnitzel Haus has become a staple in Bay Ridge in my opinion. At the beginning my parents and my family were the only ones that believed  in my dream. It has been a very difficult road. 

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              COVID-19 shelves Wurstfest for the year

              German Attractions, German Heritage Festivals


              The Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels on Thursday announced the cancelation of its 2020 festival due to considerations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This will be the first time Wurstfest has canceled a festival in our 60-year history,” Randy Rust, 2020 Wurstfest president, said in a statement. “We have had our challenges in the past, including flood events and most recently a fire that destroyed the Marktplatz building.

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                Hügel Haus Switches from Sunday Dinner to Brunch – Door County Pulse

                German Food, German Heritage USA


                The German restaurant and “Door County’s wurst bar” in Ellison Bay has changed its Sunday routine from serving dinner to serving brunch. Every Sunday for the foreseeable future, you’ll be able to indulge in a delicious brunch, 9 am – 2 pm. The menu features a variety of classic breakfast and lunch options, plus some […]

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                  Authentic German fare in the mountains of Georgia

                  German Attractions, German Food, German Heritage USA

                  It’s interesting. Helen, Georgia is one of those bizarre places. I’d heard about it once or twice, and was there 20 years ago, but didn’t remember much about it. I remember it being a German-themed town, embraced by the entire town, with one awesome Oktoberfest. But this is the middle of the summer, not during Oktoberfest, during a pandemic. Would Helen, Georgia still have that Germain “flair” I remembered? The answer is not so simple.

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                    Belleville Oktoberfest canceled due to COVID-19

                    German Heritage Talk

                    The annual Oktoberfest in Belleville has been canceled, event organizers announced Monday. The event was scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 18-20. “All of the organizations who produce this event as their biggest fundraiser each year were very much looking forward to putting on a huge celebration, commemorating 40 years of our cities German Heritage,” said Cari Frick, Belleville Oktoberfest committee chairperson in a press release.  

                    This would have been the festival’s 40th year

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                      Authentic German Potato Salad – from Pinterest

                      German Heritage Talk

                      Here’s a great authentic German Potato Salad recipe from a post on Pinterest that I discovered recently that comes from a blog posting by Debby the Foodiewife F.

                      Originally posted on Pinterest by: foodiewife-kitchen.blogspot.co.uk

                      It’s actually very similar to my own family recipe for German Potato Salad, or “Kartoffel Salat” that we all love not only during the summer months and Oktoberfest timeframe each fall, but also during the holiday season as a special family dish for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.

                      A Feast for the Eye Blog  http://afeastfortheeye.net

                      http://www.afeastfortheeyes.net/2009/11/my-muttis-german-potato-salad-with-nod.html

                      Of course there are other ways and methods to create a real good tasting German Potato Salad recipe. One variation from a German Chef involves adding a bit of apple in the recipe.

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                      Food News: Popular German Beer Hall King’s Biergarten Gets a Facelift

                      German Food, German Restaurants USA


                      KING’S BIERGARTEN IN PEARLAND IS BACK, re-opening Tuesday after being closed for four months for a substantial renovation. Among the upgrades: a new bar with 36 taps, a new dining room with leather seating and reclaimed wood furniture, and a new parking lot. Plus, National Deli Month is a few weeks away. Deals can be had.

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                        Fermenting Sauerkraut at Home, 3 Comments, April 6, 2020, Fermenting Sauerkraut at Home

                        German Cookbook, German Food, German Recipes

                        One of the world’s quintessential beer foods, sauerkraut is a delicious treat at any time of the year. Sauerkraut is also the perfect food for this world-historical moment when many of us are stuck at home and digging in for the long haul. Loaded as it is with folate, Vitamins B6, C, and K, riboflavin, thiamin, iron, potassium, and magnesium, sauerkraut is a “superfood” — which is super news at a time when we want to keep our immune systems running at peak efficiency. In this two-part series, I’ll give you the goods on fermenting sauerkraut at home, and then provide you with a few recipes to get you on your way.

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                          Backyard Biergarten – How To Create for Summertime Fun

                          Biergartens, German Heritage Talk, German Heritage USA, German-Americans, Germany, history

                          Creating your own Backyard Biergarten at your home can be tons of fun, especially when family, close friends and all your neighbors can share in the enjoyment of it all. 

                          beer-garden

                          Your own Backyard Biergarten is a real fun project to create and you really can make it as simple or elaborate as you may wish. After all, it is your backyard.

                          The first part of creating a viable Biergarten in your backyard is knowing the history of Biergartens in Germany. It is true that Biergartens originated in the 19th century in Munich, the capital of the German state of Bavaria.

                          The large breweries back then dug cellars in the banks near rivers to keep their beer cool during storage. During both the Spring and Summer months they would bring the beer out to enjoy under shade trees in a natural setting outdoors.

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                          Maifest Celebrations of German Heritage across America

                          German Festivals USA, German Heritage Talk, German-Americans, Holidays & Celebrations

                          It’s fun to see the popularity of German Heritage related Maifest celebrations increasing all across America.

                          The first of May is always a public holiday all throughout greater Germany.

                          Also known as Der Erste Mai or Tag der Arbeit, this first day in May was the historic start of an ancient festival to welcome the spring weather and to drive away all evil spirits.

                          It’s also an occasion to celebrate workers rights like Labor Day in the United States.

                          Mai pole

                          In recent years, the Maibaum (maypole) is a much decorated, tall wooden pole made up to showcase the history of trades and crafts of the local town where it’s located.

                          It is celebrated with a long precession of music and dance.

                          Maifest in America is very popular as well. One of the largest celebrations of Maifest within the USA is in Cincinnati, Ohio which has been celebrating it since 1873. 

                          2017-maifest-postcard-handbill-01Organized by the Germania Society Of Cincinnati, this Maifest celebration doesn’t start until May 19th, 20th and 21st 2017.

                          Take a look at their Maifest promotional “commercial” videos from last year. Sure looks like a lot of German Heritage fun!

                          The annual Maifest celebration in Leavenworth Washington is always a spectacular event. This magical Bavarian hamlet of the northwest always knows how to do it right.

                          maifest leavenworthSource: @ Reed Carlson

                          Of course the city of Chicago won’t begin their annual Maifest celebrations until the month of June. Maybe for the same reasons Oktoberfest in Germany takes place in September.

                          maifest_2017_sched

                          One of the most popular celebrations of Maifest within the USA is that of Brenham, Texas that originally started it’s first Maifest celebration in 1881.

                          brenham

                          This town of Brenham TX has strong German ancestry roots.

                          Brenham’s Maifest celebration may be a bit watered down these days, but it continues to be a very popular and ongoing attraction for all weekend long that showcases Brenham’s proud German Heritage with historical demonstrations, music, dance, merchandise and displays.

                          There you have it. It doesn’t really matter if it’s May 1st or the end of June… Maifest is a big part of your proud German Heritage to experience and enjoy!

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                          Classic German Rouladen Recipe by Chef Uwe Rudnick

                          German Food, German Recipes

                          Of course I love a good German dish of Rouladen anytime. I’d like to share with you today a recipe of how easily it really is to prepare it for yourself with help from Chef Uwe Rudnick.

                          A special Thank-you to GermanDeli.com and Chef Rudnick for putting these great German recipe videos together.

                          Chef RudnickSource: GermanDeli.com

                          Just click the video below to see how Chef Uwe does it and then click on the “Show More” tab for exact recipe details. 


                          German Rouladen is one of the most favorable German dishes that you can cook, not to mention it’s fun to prepare as well.

                          By the way, we love the work that Chef Uwe Rudnick does as well. Always a top ten presentation.

                          Be sure visit GermanDeli.com for the greatest German food ideas, deals and selections.

                          Also be sure to subscribe to the GermanDeli.com channel on Youtube for more fantastic German Recipes.

                           

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