The 2009 Syracuse Germanfest Friday-Sunday, July 10-12, is the silver anniversary of the start of the celebration of the Syracuse area’s German heritage.
Events are along or near Fifth Street unless otherwise noted.
July 10 will begin with a Crusin’ to Syracuse vehicle show at the intersection of Highways 2 and 50. Abendessen, Opening Event, will kick off the celebration. It will include Lil Miss Germanfest, a meal, recognition of past royalty and coronation of 2009 royalty.
Saturday morning, July 11, will include a Syracuse Lions pancake breakfast, Syracuse Area Jaycees youth fun mile and five kilometer run, home brew contest, bed races, children’s parade and grand parade.
All-day events are Fifth Street Market at Fifth Street and 5th Street Centre, including merchant specials, produce, quilt drawing tickets, bake sales and craft vendors; golf cart taxis; senior citizen handicapped parking; find Hans in Syracuse businesses for prizes and historical walking tours.
There will be a Germanfest headquarters where Germanfest merchandise will be sold, and place of entry for a cash drawing, events and contests.
Lunch will be available at Syracuse restaurants and from a lunch wagon.
Afternoon activities include a beer garden, firefighters’ water fight, bingo, wine and microbrew tasting, kinder fun activities for children, Main Stage Wackiness contests, free watermelon feed from the Syracuse Area Chamber of Commerce, veiner dog (dachshund) races, fest keg opening and entertainment from the Greg Blecha Trio.
Evening events include a children’s tractor pull, Rib Fest, polka lessons and contest, hog calling contest, street dance to Cactus Hill and fireworks sponsored by the Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department and Granneman Agency.
Sunday, July 12, will include a morning community worship service, community potluck, Civil War program at the Otoe County Museum of Memories, garden walk and Nebraska Humanities Council program on music from Germanic nations.
Updated information will be available at www.syracusene.com.
