The beginning of October is an important time for German Americans. On October 6, 1683 the first group of Germans settled in the Germantown, Pennsylvania area. The library invites you to experience the Pennsylvania German culture and celebrate this special time with us. Let’s enjoy the historical roots of our community and share with others its diversity. While celebrating, take a walk around the library and learn about our rich Pennsylvania German heritage. There will be opportunities to hear guest speakers and musical performances along with sampling delicious homemade Pennsylvania German food.
Vendors will be stationed throughout the library, and exhibits include a Fracktur display and Pennsylvania German barn display. Kids are welcome at this fun free event. There will be opportunities for children to make their own barn star, and adults and children alike will have the chance to make their own Scherenschnitte craft with Ferne Druckenmiller.
To kick off the event Carol J. Haile author of the Christmas Story will speak about her book and Frackturs. Later in the morning, Sarajane Williams will play her harp and will be selling her CDs and coloring book at the festival. Patrick Donmoyer will speak about barn stars and Greg Huber will speak about Pennsylvania barns and houses. Bill Donner from Kutztown University will speak about Pennsylvania German education. Later on in the day, Butch Imhoff will sing in Pennsylvania German while playing his guitar. Grundsow Lodge Members including Richard Stoudt will tell jokes in Pennsylvania German and English and talk about Pennsylvania German superstitions. Mr. Stoudt is currently serving as one of teachers of the Pennsylvania German class sponsored by the Lower Macungie Library. Mike Rhode, who is known for his talks at the Kutztown Folk Festival, will speak about the history and beliefs of the Mennonites and Amish.
The Quilter’s Group of St. Paul’s UCC of Trexlertown will be quilting throughout the day. The folk art tradition of Pennsylvania Redware will be demonstrated by Denise Wilz who will be selling her pottery at the festival. Judith Bullard will be selling a PA Dutch 2012 Calendar. Hatsie Forsman will demonstrate how to make baskets and hats and will have items to sell the day of the festival. Discounted Amish fiction books will only be sold on the day of the festival.
If visitors have questions about the Pennsylvania German Festival please contact the Lower Macungie Library at 610-966-6864 or visit our website at www.lowermaclib.org where a full schedule is listed.