It’s Volksfest Time

If the forecast is to be believed, the extreme heat will end late on July 30, just in time to say “Ein Prosit!” at the 63rd annual Volksfest.

 The celebration of German heritage runs from 11 a.m. to midnight July 31, Aug. 1, and Aug. 2 at Germania Maennerchor, 916 N. Fulton Ave. The club, which was founded by German immigrants in 1900, promises fun for all.

 Here’s a glimpse at what Volksfest attendees can expect this year:

• The festival is open to people of all ages daily until 2 p.m. After 2 p.m., it becomes an event only for those 21 and older, and beyond 4 p.m., a $5 cash cover charge is required for entry. Those entering after 4 p.m. must do so at Germania Maennerchor’s Fulton Avenue entrance, and those aged 21-25 and under should have two forms of government ID with one having a photo.
• While the cover charge must be cash, food and drinks may be bought with cards or cash. Menu items include bratwurst, pig knuckle, and side choices are mashed potatoes, German potato salad, kraut, and beans. There are also bratwurst, German bologna, and turkey sandwiches. Kraut balls are available too (you can get four for $7), and those are always a hit: Club publicity chair Jody Wassmer says 25,000 of them are made from scratch for Volksfest.
• Wassmer says nine German beers, a record for the event, will be available, as well as domestic choices, wine, and soft drinks. Non-alcoholic beer is free for designated drivers. Last call is nightly at 11:30 p.m.
• Two bands will make their Volkfest debut — The River City Polkatz of Louisville, Kentucky, will perform from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2 in the Bier Garten, while Polka Cola from Cincinnati, Ohio, is scheduled to play in the same location from 6:15 to 10:30 p.m. July 31 and will return Aug. 2 from 8 to 11:30 p.m. “We have people who have heard them and seen them and say they will bring a lot of excitement,” says Wassmer.

  

• Other bands scheduled to perform are the popular Rhien Valley Brass (7:15 to 9:15 p.m. daily in Fest Halle), Rathskeller Trio (5 to 7 p.m. daily in Fest Halle and various other times in the Rathskeller hall), and Haywire (8 to 11:30 p.m. Aug. 1 in the Bier Garten).
• Volksfest also will have a half pot drawing at 8 p.m. all three nights. One ticket may be bought for $5, three tickets cost $10, and seven tickets are $20. Ticket sales will be downstairs in the Rathskeller hall. Proceeds benefit Germania Maennerchor’s events and charitable activities.
• Germania Maennerchor doesn’t leave out the kids: a Back to School Bash for children 12 and under is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 2 with free food and free backpacks with school supplies for the first 200 kids, as well as a bounce house, an Evansville Fire Department truck, and more.
• Runners and walkers can sign up for The Wurst Race, a 5K event starting at 8 a.m. Aug. 2, and there’s a beer and brat for all finishers. Registration is open until race day.

Opening ceremonies for the 63rd Volkfest are at 6 p.m. July 31 in the Bier Garten, with Mayor Stephanie Terry tapping the first keg, and Germania Maennerchor invites all to attend the festival. 

“It’s a chance to enjoy German food, German music, adult beverages, and be a part of something that’s unique in Evansville,” Wassmer says.