Celebrate spring German-style at the Zoar Maifest
Alphorn Gruezie will play German alpenhorns, long horns used by Alpine herdsmen and villagers.
Historic Zoar Village will welcome spring in German style during its Maifest celebration on Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is put on annually by the Zoar Community Association and serves as a fundraiser for the preservation of Zoar’s historic buildings and the association’s educational outreach programs.
“We like to say Maifest features plenty of beer, bratwurst and bands, with a helping of German tradition,” said Jon Elsasser, president of the Zoar Community Association.
The menu includes Cleveland Kraut and bratwurst, German-style roasted chicken and German potato salad using Canal Tavern of Zoar recipes.
On tap will be German-style craft beers created by regional brewers Lockport, Hoodletown and Wooly Pig Farm breweries.
Proceeds from the food and beer hall help support the efforts of the Towpath Rotary Club, formerly the Bolivar-Zoar Rotary.
Traditional German music will be performed from noon to 4 p.m. in the beer and food hall by the Cleveland-based German band, Gemuetlichkeit Clevelander Musikanten.
Back for the second year is Alphorn Gruezie, a group playing long Alpine horns made famous in the Ricola commercials.
German car show returns
Maifest will include its German car show from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the lot across from the Zoar United Church of Christ at the corner of Fifth and Main streets. All German makes and models are welcome including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Porsche.
Show registration will begin at 10 a.m. and is $10 per car, which includes a coupon for a free bratwurst. Awards will be given for People’s Choice, Runner Up, Oldest Car and Newest Car.
Other festival activities will include discounted tours of all museums at $5 per person, games and make-and-take art projects for kids, dancing around the Maypole, and plein air painters throughout the village.
Admission to Maifest is free for all ages and includes all activities.
Origin of Maifest
According to Elsasser, the inspiration for Maifest comes from a traditional celebration of spring held by a coming together of the Zoar Separatists and their counterparts in Economy, Pennsylvania. The name of the festival was Schwabenfest, in honor of their common heritage from the German Schwab tribe.
Additional attractions
Visitors to Maifest can shop at the Zoar Store and private shops and antique stores. The Stars of Zoar Co-op in the Sewing House at Park and Third streets will be open and celebrating its fifth anniversary. Additionally, the former Tin Shop Coffee House has been reopened as Soul Sisters Cafe at Fourth and Main streets.
Call the Zoar Community Association at 330-874-3011.