40 Years of Memories A Special Strassenfest Retrospect
The Herald â– YO U R C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R S I N C E 1 8 9 5 DUBOISCOUNTYHERALD.COM
DUBOIS COUNTY, INDIANA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018 SECTION B
PAGE 2 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
Thursday thru Sunday August 2, 3, 4 & 5
www.jasperstrassenfest.org
Donnerstag Thursday, August 2nd 9:00 am
YOUTH GOLF TOURNAM ENT
9:00 am -4:00 pm
JASPER CITY M ILL OPEN
10:00 am -2:00 pm
STRASSENFEST EXHIBITS AND PROGRAM S
EVENTS HIGHLIGHTED IN RED ARE NEW TO 2018
Ru xer Go lf Co u rse
1:00 pm -3:00 pm
KAREN KOVICH FREE CARICATURES
Du bo is Co u n ty M u seu m
1:00 pm -3:00 pm
RUTH KUEBLER FREE FACE PAINTING
Registration 4:45 pm -5:15 pm Starts at 5:30 pm
CHILDREN’S BOX PARADE
1:00 pm -10:00 pm
CARNIVAL RIDES OPEN
5:00 pm -10:00 pm
CARNIVAL RIDES OPEN / BRACELETS AVAILABLE BOOTHS OPEN INFORM ATION/SOUVENIR BOOTH
1:00 pm -4:00 pm
W ADE BAKER JAZZ EXPERIENCE
1:00 pm
HIGHLIGHTS OF DUBOIS COUNTY HISTORY 1818-2018
5:00 pm -11:00 pm 5:00 pm -12:00 am
Jasper City M ill
East Co u rtho u se En tran ce - To p o f the Steps
Jasper P o lice Statio n
So u th Side o f Co u rtho u se 5:45 pm -6:15 pm
CELEBRATION SINGERS
6:00 pm -12:30 am
JASPER JAYCEES BIER GARTEN
6:00 pm -9:00 pm
RUTH KUEBLER FREE FACE PAINTING
6:00 pm -10:00 pm
Samstag Saturday, August 4th
Bu tto n Requ ired - M u st be 21
BABY PHOTO CONTEST P ho to s Displayed at the LaLeche Leagu e Bo o th n ear A stra
6:15 pm
OFFICIAL OPENING CEREM ONY
6:30 pm -10:30 pm
TOM VORJOHAN AND DANIEL HERRON “THE BALLOONS GUYS”
M ain Stage
East Side o f Co u rtho u se
Bracelets A vailable 5:00-10:00 pm Gazebo at the Riverwalk
Du bo is Co u n ty M u seu m
East Co u rtho u se Steps
East Co u rtho u se En tran ce - To p o f the Steps
East Co u rtho u se En tran ce - To p o f the Steps
6:00 am -1:00 pm
BACKYARD CHILIAND BBQ CONTEST
Schro eder Co m plex park in g lo t o n 2n d Street
6:30 am Registration W ETTLAUF 5K ROAD RUN & FITNESS W ALK 8:00 am Start Starts & En ds o n M ain Street between 8th & 9th 7-8 am Registration 9:00 am Start
28th ANNUAL STRASSENFEST BICYCLE RIDE Start from The Parklands NEW DAY AND LOCATION!
1:30 pm -2:30 pm
JEFF KELLY AND THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT
2:00 pm
GOLF SCRAM BLE -SHOTGUN START
2:00,3:30,5:00 & 6:30 pm Departures
SPIRIT OF JASPER TRAIN RIDES
2:30 pm
THE M OVIE “E.T.THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL”
2:30 pm -3:00 PM
STRINGS INC.
2:30 pm -4:00 pm
NARROW PATH
3:00 pm -5:00 pm
RECYCLED TEENAGERS
3:00 pm -12:30 am Fam ily Room 6-9 pm
JASPER JAYCEES BIER GARTEN
3:30,5:00 & 6:30 pm Departures
SPIRIT OF JASPER TRAIN RIDES
4:00 pm
HOLY FAM ILY POLKA M ASS
5:00 & 6:30 pm Departures
SPIRIT OF JASPER TRAIN RIDES
5:00 pm -12:30 am
THE ALPEN ECHOES AND THE CHARDON POLKA BAND
W est Side Stage
Bu ffalo Trace Go lf Co u rse
Jasper Train Depo t
The historicalAstra Theatre located on the Square W est Side Stage
8:00 am M ain Flying 1-3 pm
STRASSENFEST ANNUAL RC FLY-IN
HODGINIGYM NASTICS PERFORM ANCE
8:00 am and 2:00 pm
GOLF SCRAM BLE – SHOT GUN STARTS
FULL OUT TUM BLE AND CHEER
8:00 am Registration PLEIN AIR PAINTING EVENT Aw ards at 4:30 pm Upper Entrance of Parklands (back of Klub Haus 61)
THE ALPEN ECHOES AND THE CHARDON POLKA BAND
8:30 am -9:15 am
7:30 pm -9:00 pm
3RD ANNUAL W ITZ GUITAR PULL CONTEST M ain Stage
9:00 am Registration W BDC CORN HOLE TOURNAM ENT 10:00 am Start Schro eder Co m plex by the shelter ho u se
8:00 pm
STEIN HOLDING CONTEST
9:00 am
JASPER JAYCEE CAR SHOW
8:30 pm -10:30 pm
NICK DITTM EIER AND THE SAW DUSTERS
9:00 am
DRIVE IN M OTORCYCLE SHOW
Schro eder Co m plex park in g lo t o n 2n d Street so u th o f the fo o tball field
5:30 pm -6:30 pm
DANCE CENTRAL ACADEM Y OF PERFORM ING ARTS
9:00 am -1:00 pm
DRIVE IN JEEP SHOW
5:30 pm
ST.JOSEPH’S POLKA M ASS
6:00 pm -10:00 pm
BABY PHOTO CONTEST P ho to s Displayed at the LaLeche Leagu e Bo o th n ear A stra
6:00 pm -7:15 pm
W JTS TV18 TALENTSPIEL
6:00 pm -9:00 pm
RUTH KUEBLER FREE FACE PAINTING
6:30 pm -10:00 pm 7:00 pm -7:30 pm 7:00 pm -7:45 pm 7:00 pm -12:30 am
KAREN KOVICH FREE CARICATURES
East Co u rtho u se En tran ce - To p o f the Steps M ain Stage P avem en t
W est Side Stage P avem en t
Bier Garten - Bu tto n Requ ired
Bier Garten - Bu tto n Requ ired - M u st be 21
9:00 pm -10:30 pm
W est Side Stage
LOG SAW ING CONTEST M ain Stage
Bier Garten - Bu tto n Requ ired - M u st be 21
Freitag Friday, August 3rd 8:00 am 8:30 am -5:00 pm 9:00 am -4:00 pm
VUJC COCA-COLA HOTSHOT CONTEST
Ru xer Cen ter @ V UJC - Brin g o wn bask etball
50TH ANNUAL DUBOIS COUNTY ART GUILD EXHIBIT Jasper Co m m u n ity A rts – K rem pp Gallery
JASPER CITY M ILL OPEN Jasper City M ill
10:00 am -5:30 pm
HOLY FAM ILY QUILT SHOW
10:00 am -2:00 pm
STRASSENFEST EXHIBITS AND PROGRAM S
10:00 am -1:00 pm 11:00 am -1:00 pm 12:00 pm 1:00 pm
Ho ly Fam ily Catho lic Chu rch - Fello wship Hall Du bo is Co u n ty M u seu m
5:00 pm -10:00 pm 5:00 pm -7:00 pm
RELAY FOR LIFE DIAPER DERBY
9:00 am -3:00 pm 1:00 pm
ANTIQUE FARM M ACHINERY SHOW & TRACTOR DRIVE
9:00 am -5:00 pm
JASPER CITY M ILL OPEN
9:00 am
PRECIOUS BLOOD QUILT SHOW
9:15 am -10:00 am
6:00 pm -7:00 PM 6:00 pm -10:00 pm 6:00 pm -9:00 pm
Germ an A m erican P ark in g Lo t - 711 M ain St.
Field acro ss fro m Schro eder Co m plex o n 2n d St.
Bier Garten – Bu tto n Requ ired W est Side Stage
St. Jo seph’s Chu rch - 1029 K u n dek Street
M ain Stage
East Co u rtho u se En tran ce - To p o f the Steps 6:30 pm -7:30 pm
JASPER DANCE STREET DANCE PARTY
P recio u s Blo o d Chu rch - 1385 W 6th St.
6:30-10:00 pm
KAREN KOVICH FREE CARICATURES
SPORT -PRESENTED BY FIT TOGETHER GROUP FITNESS
6:30 pm -10:30 pm
TOM VORJOHAN AND DANIEL HERRON “THE BALLOON GUYS”
Jasper City M ill
W est Side Stage
AUTOLAUF (ROAD RALLY) 9:30 am Check In First Car Out at N oon P ark in g Lo t behin d Days In n , 272 Bru ck e Strasse
W est Side Stage
East Co u rtho u se En tran ce - To p o f the Steps
East Side Co u rtho u se 6:30 pm Departure Last Trip
SPIRIT OF JASPER TRAIN RIDES
7:30 pm -8:15 pm
DUBOIS COUNTY CLOGGERS
8:00 pm -10:00 pm
DANNIAL M AR
8:30 pm -11:00 pm
TONY AND THE TAN LINES
10:00 pm
POLKA AND CHICKEN DANCE CONTESTS
Jasper Train Depo t
10:00 am -12:00 pm
SPARROW & CRANDALL
ANTIQUE FARM M ACHINERY SHOW & TRACTOR DRIVE
10:00 am -12:00 pm
JUNIOR FIREFIGHTER CHALLENGE
ALL BOOTHS OPEN CARNIVAL RIDES OPEN / BRACELETS AVAILABLE ON THE ONE
10:00 am -2:00 pm
11TH ANNUAL HOM EBREW CONTEST
10:00 am -5:30 pm
HOLY FAM ILY QUILT SHOW
10:00 am
W INE FAIR
8:00 am
GOLF SCRAM BLE -SHOTGUN START
ART FAIR
8:00 am -12:00 pm
HOLY FAM ILY QUILT SHOW
STRASSENFEST EXHIBITS AND PROGRAM S
9:00 am
ST.JOSEPH GERM AN HERITAGE M ASS
STRASSENFEST PET CONTEST
9:00 am -2:00 pm
PRECIOUS BLOOD QUILT SHOW 50TH ANNUAL DUBOIS COUNTY ART GUILD EXHIBIT
11:00 am -12:00 pm
BOOTHS OPEN BRANDON BAGGETT-COM EDIAN/M AGICIAN
12:00 pm -3:00 pm 1:00 pm
STRASSENFEST PARADE
11:00 am -1:00 pm
THE M AJOR-M INOR DUO
1:00 pm -4:00 pm
OLD GERM AN SCRIPT TRANSLATIONS
7:00 pm
CELEBRATION SINGERS
10:00 pm
FIREW ORKS
SELECT BOOTHS OPEN FOR LUNCH GOLF SCRAM BLE Bu ffalo Trace Go lf Co u rse
W est Stage
HOT AIR BALLOON RACE
Open field ju st No rth o f Uebelho r To yo ta
BRANDON BAGGETT-COM EDIAN/M AGICIAN M ain Stage
10:00 am 10:00 am -4:00 pm
BABY PHOTO CONTEST P ho to s Displayed at the LaLeche Leagu e Bo o th n ear A stra
10:30 am
RUTH KUEBLER FACE PAINTING
11:00 am -11:00 pm
6:00 pm -12:30 am
JASPER JAYCEES BIER GARTEN
Jasper Train Depo t
Bu tto n Requ ired - M u st be 21
Du bo is Co u n ty M u seu m
Cabby O’Neill Gym n asiu m - 340 W 6th St. Riverwalk Gazebo
Fire Statio n #1 - 6th Street (between M ill & M cCrillu s Streets)
Ho ly Fam ily Catho lic Chu rch - Fello wship Hall Lo cated o n the Riverwalk - Dave Bu ehler P laza Lo cated o n the Riverwalk - Dave Bu ehler P laza Du bo is Co u n ty M u seu m
Ro bert E. P ark er P ark - 9th & M ill Streets
M ain Stage
Jasper City M ill
Jasper City M ill 6:30 pm -10:00 pm
KAREN KOVICH FREE CARICATURES
11:00 am
6:30 pm -10:30 pm
TOM VORJOHAN AND DANIEL HERRON “THE BALLOONS GUYS”
GRANDVIEW JUNCTION East Co u rtho u se En tran ce - To p o f the Steps
East Side Co u rtho u se
THE ALPEN ECHOES AND THE CHARDON POLKA BAND
Bier Garten - Bu tto n Requ ired - M u st be 21 7:30 pm Departure
SPIRIT OF JASPER TRAIN RIDES
8:00 pm -10:00 pm
THE M ILD THORNBERRYS
Jasper Train Depo t
W est Side Stage
Schro eder Co m plex - 2n d Street 11:30 Registration 12:00 pm -1:30 pm
DAS KINDERSPIEL (CHILDREN’S GAM ES)
12:00 pm
SHEEPHEAD CARD TOURNAM ENT
12:00 pm
ST.JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH & BELL TOW ER TOUR
12:00 pm -1:00 pm
BROTHER,SON
12:00 pm -5:00 pm
AM ERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
12:30,2:00,3:30, 5:00 & 6:30 pm Departures
SPIRIT OF JASPER TRAIN RIDES
SIM PLY ELTON/SIM PLY BILLY M ain Stage
POLKA AND CHICKEN DANCE CONTESTS
Bier Garten - Bu tto n Requ ired - M u st be 21
VINTAGE BASEBALL FEATURING THE INDIANAPOLIS BLUES BASEBALL TEAM Do wn to wn o n the Squ are
Bier Garten A rea / So u thwest Ten t St. Jo seph Chu rch - M eet at back en tran ce W est Stage
Co u rtho u se Squ are
Jasper Train Depo t
M ain Stage P avem en t W est Side Stage M ain Stage
Bier Garten - Bu tto n Requ ired - M u st be 21
Sonntag Sunday, August 5th
NEW LOCATION -Brew -408 M ain Street (n ear en tran ce o f the Beer Garden )
11:00 am ,12:30,2:00, SPIRIT OF JASPER 3:30,5:00 & 6:30 pm TRAIN RIDES Departures Jasper Train Depo t
10:00 pm Fri. & Sat.
Jasper Train Depo t
CABBY O’NEILL GYM NASIUM TOUR & OPEN HOUSE
Du bo is Co u n ty M u seu m
SPIRIT OF JASPER TRAIN RIDES
8:00 pm -10:30 pm
Jasper Train Depo t
10:00 am -1:00 pm
OLD GERM AN SCRIPT TRANSLATIONS
6:00 pm & 7:30 pm Departures
6:30 pm -12:30 am
Bu tto n Requ ired - M u st be 21
OLD GERM AN SCRIPT TRANSLATIONS
East Co u rtho u se En tran ce - To p o f the Steps
6:30 pm -8:00 pm
W est Side Stage
Ho ly Fam ily Chu rch - 950 Chu rch A ven u e
Jasper Jaycee P ark - by the swim m in g po o l
Schro eder Co m plex park in g lo t o n 2n d Street so u th o f the fo o tball field
M ain Stage
10:00 am -1:00 pm
4:00 pm Registration KIDDIE PEDAL TRACTOR PULL Event Starts 5:30 pm Jasper Fire Departm en t 5:30 pm -7:30 pm
TRANSFORM -PRESENTED BY FIT TOGETHER GROUP FITNESS
9:00 am
Schro eder Co m plex park in g lo t o n 2n d St. 5:00 pm -11:00 pm
Bu ffalo Trace Go lf Co u rse
W est Stage
POLKA AND CHICKEN DANCE CONTESTS
10:00 pm
Fo llo w sign s o ff 231 So u th, W est o n 100 S Old Jasper Lan dfill (N38.36232 W 86.97191)
Bu ffalo Trace Go lf Co u rse
Ho ly Fam ily Catho lic Chu rch - Fello wship Hall St. Jo seph Chu rch - 1029 K u n dek Street P recio u s Blo o d Chu rch
Jasper Co m m u n ity A rts - K rem pp Gallery Do wn to wn Jasper – Rain o r Shin e Du bo is Co u n ty M u seu m
Ho ly Fam ily Chu rch - 950 Chu rch A ven u e Fin d yo u r favo rite Do wn to wn spo t Set o ff at Schro eder Co m plex – Rain o r Shin e
DRIVE SOBER
TaxiService available fro m REDSTONE TAXISTAND - 5th & Jack so n
B uy a Strassenfest B utton to support the Strassenfest and allof the entertainm ent that is provided to our visitors at no charge. W ear your button w ith pride!! Pick up a Strassenfest B ooklet for Event D etails!
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 3
Inside
Established December 1998
What does it take to plan and organize a major street festival? Page 4.
Owners: Bob McDaniel & Jim Bounds
A brief look at the history of Jasper’s street festival. Page 6.
1163 Wernsing Rd., Jasper (812) 634-7030
Best Known For
Fried Chicken Roast Beef Manhattan Chicken Hearts, Livers & Gizzards 8 oz. Marinated Chicken Breast Business Hours: Monday-Saturday Bar - 9 am-? Plate Lunches Mon.-Fri. Starting at 11 am Friday & Saturday Dining Room 4 pm - 9 pm Weekend Specials
Strassenfest 40th Anniversary C elebr ating ourG er manH er itage!
Pictures of all the Miss Strassenfests start on Page 11.
There have been many firsts over the years. Here are a few. Page 21. Here’s a list of all the parade’s grand marshals. Page 22. These photos will take you back 10, 20 and 30 years. Pages 24, 26, 28. All the Little Miss winners. Page 30.
When it comes to Strassenfest events, there’s been a lot of craziness over the years. Page 14. Some memories of past festivals people don’t forget. Page 16.
All the Little Mister and Junior Miss winners. Page 30. Highlights of 40 years of the Strassenfest. Page 34.
THIS IS IT FOLKS! In 1950 Carl & Evelyn Witte opened Jasper’s 1st Dairy Queen!
“Cone with a Curl On Top” WITTE’S DAIRY QUEEN – Jasper’s Westside 1950
Jasper’s Westside Dairy Queen Today!
Nationally Known & Still Locally Owned! AUTHORIZED D EA LER
808 N .M ain Street Jasper • Indiana 800-433-6476 o r 812-482-3736 w w w .ho o sierbu sinessm a chines.co m Y our M achine Specialist Since 1956.
606 W. 6th St. • Jasper, IN Owners: Phyllis Stenftenagel/Jerry Brown
812-482-2766
PAGE 4 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
MARLENA SLOSS/THE HERALD
Ella Fakes of Jasper, 7, practiced the Mai Pole Dance for the German Heritage events portion of the 40th Strassenfest Opening Ceremonies at the Ackerman Oil Shop in Jasper on June 27.
Prepping for the Fest WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO PLAN THE STRASSENFEST? DEDICATION AND HARD WORK By CANDY NEAL cneal@dcherald.com What does it take to plan the Jasper Strassenfest? Time. Dedication. And true commitment. “You have to be really dedicated to serve on this committee,” Strassenfest Committee Chairman Mike Ackerman said in June. “This will take a lot of time.” But the end result makes the yearlong process worth the effort. “Seeing so many people come out and enjoying the festival, know that people anticipate it each year and make plans to meet family and friends there,” Ackerman said. “There are things people expect to be at the Strassenfest. And they also expect new things. The committee and volunteers do our best to meet those expectations.” This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Strassenfest. And while it will be special, this one, just like the festivals in the past, takes just as much work to organize. Planning starts soon after the previous Strassenfest ends. An 18-member committee gets together in August to discuss ideas and improvements that can be made to the festival. This group as a whole meets monthly to update each other on activities and to discuss other details. At a meeting in late May of this year, the committee met to review the pages-long schedule booklet detailing all the festival’s events. They also listened to commercials recorded for the local media, including one that has Jasper High School students singing about the festival using the “So Long, Farewell” song from “The Sound of Music.” They got to see the new fest buttons. This year there are two: a regular-sized button and a bigger one that has a ruby that lights up. Committee members also looked at the stein for the year, which is ruby red for the 40th anniversary.
Members of the Strassenfest Committee met at the Jasper Chamber of Commerce on May 30 to proof the fest booklet. BRITTNEY LOHMILLER THE HERALD
“Wow, that’s nice,” committee member Nick Hoffman said, eyeing the mug. “I just might have to enter the (stein holding) contest this year.” The winner of the contest, which entails a contestant holding a stein full of water at the end of his or her outstretched arm for the longest time, gets a stein. Through their review of the booklet, they caught typos and font changes, critiqued colors and talked about the wording of the events. Member Nancy Eckerle even caught the fact that Ackerman’s face was in the middle of the committee picture, which is centered between two pages. That’s a detail that even Ackerman didn’t notice. “Maybe the photo should be moved over, so that Mike’s face won’t be in the fold,” she suggested. “Or move his head,” committee member Rus-
sell Jaent joked. The photo will be moved slightly off center. While the meeting is fun and filled with lots of laughter, the committee is very serious in making sure that all the details of the fest are covered. Each member is in charge of a specific area. And each one takes off on their charge early. The queen events, for instance, require months of planning. Advertising to elicit contestants, coaching contestants through interviews, guiding the contestants through community projects. And, of course, practicing for the actual pageant. In late June, the queen contestants are on stage, practicing their walk and poise with previ-
Please turn to the next Page 6
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 5
Strassenfest
Roll Out The Barrels and Celebrate!!
So m any greatpageantm em orieswith our M erle Girl,C hloe!! H a ppy 40th A n n ive rs a ry S tra s s e n fe s t
The Strassenfest
Merle Norman wants to wish everyone in the 2018 Strassenfest Pageant good luck and enjoy the fest! 607 Main Street (On the Square), Jasper
812-482-3635
is Celebrating 40 years!! Help us Celebrate those years of Success and Dedication to Those who put on this wonderful Event!
Co rpo ra te: 2 2 5 Cla y Street, Ja s per, IN 8 12 -4 8 2 -3 2 0 4
PAGE 6 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
Fest Prep Concluded from Page 4
ous fest queens Kara Skorge and Vanessa Hickman, and event coordinator Becky Hickman. “When you stop, make sure you are facing the judges,” Becky Hickman coached. “Make eye contact. You want them to see your confidence.” The girls walked in pre-planned circles, following the former queens who showed them when to turn, when to walk straight and when to stop and pose. The basic stance is right foot slightly angled behind the left foot. “Put most of your weight on your back leg,” Skorge advised the young ladies. “It will help with your balance.” The ladies are coached in clothing choices, interview techniques and how to show confident poise before the pageant. By July, all committee members are running in full mode. Along with still attending monthly meetings to fine tune the smaller details, they hand out posters and brochures, check to make sure businesses selling the fest buttons have an ample supply, keep the T-shirt supply stocked at City Hall and touch base with suppliers and organizations that have booths. It gets even busier the week before and week of the fest. Groups will build the two stages and install sound systems around the Square. The huge Bier Garten tent will be hoisted at the corner of Fourth and Main streets. Local organizations will install food booths, game booths and information booths along Main Street and around the Square. Carnival rides will be moved in. Tables, bleachers, trash containers and staging areas also have to be set up. Committee members will be on hand for all these events. They will also run errands, help fill supplies that run out, answer inquiries from sponsors and guide visitors who have questions. “Wear your comfortable shoes,” Jaent, who is in charge of logistics, told the committee. Everyone laughed, knowingly.
Congratulations Jasper on the 40th Strassenfest! W eyer Electric, Inc. offers a diverse and com plete line of ElectricalProducts, Services, and Installations. Industrial• Com m ercial• Residential M edical• M edium Voltage • Agricultural Fire Alarm • Security • Com m unications Engineering and Design
Foun d e d in 1952
S erving the S outhern Indiana areas of Jasper,Vincennes, French Lick, Santa Claus, Ferdinand, W est Baden, Paoli, Evansville and Corydon.
453 W . 9th S treet,F erdinand,Indiana 812-367-1650 w w w .w eyerelectric.com
Miss Strassenfest Pageant Coordinator Becky Hickman of Jasper, right, and 2017 Miss Strassenfest Kara Skorge of Jasper, center, helped some of this year’s contestants prepare for the pageant at Redemption Christian Church June 21. Hickman and Skorge went over mock interviews and showed the participants how to walk on stage. BRITTNEY LOHMILLER THE HERALD
Adam Schitter of Mehringer’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning hung pennants near the Jasper German Club booth last year. DAVE WEATHERWAX THE HERALD
RICHARD M. MOSS, M.D. EAR • NOSE • THROAT Board Certified • Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery • Otologic Surgery Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
• Tonsillitis, Ear Infections, Tubes • Sinusitis, Deviated Septum, Nasal Allergies • Thyroid, Tumors of Throat & Neck • Moles, Lesions, Skin Cancers • Snoring & Sleep Disorders • Swallowing & Voice Disorders • Dizziness, Vertigo, Meniere's Disease • Hearing Exams & Hearing Aids • Acne - Facial Plastic Surgery
812-634-6666
721 West Thirteenth Street, Suite 208 Medical Arts Building, Jasper, IN 47546 Satellite Office In Washington, IN
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 7
PAGE 8 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
40 years later, Strassenfest still evolving By LEANN BURKE lburke@dcherald.com When Strassenfest historian Ron Flick looks over the fest’s 40-year history, the festival’s growth stands out. “Things evolved over time,” he said. “It got bigger and spread through the city.” The Jasper business community organized the first Strassenfest in 1979, with the Strassenfest Committee falling under the Jasper Chamber of Commerce. Strassenfest began as a way to showcase Jasper pride and celebrate the city’s German heritage, a goal that persists to this day. German flags adorn homes and businesses in Jasper in the weeks leading up to the fest, and it’s not uncommon for the more ambitious to don Lederhosen or Dirndls — types of German dress — for a night of polka dancing in the Strassenfest Bier Garten, spelled the German way, of course. Part of the preparation for the first Strassenfest, according to the Behind the Fest page on the festival’s website, involved “sprucing up miles of the artery streets with special attention to pulling weeds, cleaning sand from cracks in the sidewalk and curb, and painting of curbs and trash receptacles and poles.” In the days leading up to Strassenfest, citizens still get out and do a little extra maintenance on their properties. This year’s Strassenfest Committee Chairman Mike Ackerman said the extra effort people across the city put in for the festival has always been a point of pride for him and his family. Several Strassenfest staples premiered in the first year. Carnival rides, a parade, Bier Garten, the Strassenfest Queen Contest and the Wettlauf were all part of the first Strassenfest. The railroad also provided train rides that weekend, though train rides wouldn’t be part of the festival again until 2006. “It was quite popular even in 1979, that first one,” Flick said. “It was more successful than they had envisioned.” The first Strassenfest also included a
souvenir, mini cast-iron skillet — the forebear of the Strassenfest beer steins — and two buttons, one large and one small. Later festivals only offered a small button, though the large button is being resurrected this year in celebration of 40 years of the fest. In the years that followed, the Strassenfest led to more programs and organizations celebrating Jasper’s German heritage including Jasper Deutscher Verein, Sister Cities, Partnership Commission, and Redevelop Old Jasper Action Coalition. The Deutscher Verein, also called the Jasper German Club, now hosts the annual German food and pastry booths near the Bier Garten during the festival. Ackerman and his wife, Ann, recall working the late shift at the Deutscher Verein booths as the Bier Garten closes down. Mike described that time as “a fun time to interact with patrons after they have been partying all evening.” The Ackermans also recall dancing to polka music in the Bier Garten. Each year since 1986, die Alpen Echoes, a polka band from Cincinnati, has performed in the Bier Garten. Since 1995, the band has also provided the tunes for the polka and chicken dance contests. Another Bier Garten staple, the stein holding contest, replaced the bratwurst eating contest in 2012. Over the years, the Strassenfest has grown beyond the Courthouse Square and downtown area. The first Talentspiel was held in 1982 the at Jasper Civic Auditorium, and the local Catholic churches put their own spin on Strassenfest celebration when they began hosting polka masses in 1989. In 2000, St. Joseph Catholic Church took its participation in the festival a step further, adding tours of the historic church, including the bell tower, to the schedule. Although many events were added, a few dropped off, such as the Anything Goes contest that used to be part of the closing ceremonies, and the bed race. Occasionally, Flick said, the older events would be brought back for a year or so as part of the “ebb and flow” of events. Flick served as Strassenfest chair-
Ron Kieffner and his daughter, Tara, 4, dressed the part for the opening night of the 1982 Strassenfest. man from 2007 to 2008 when the entertainment got an overhaul. Flick’s friend, Gary Schnell, approached Flick about adding more live performances to the entertainment lineup. In response, Flick suggested Gary and his wife, Marcia, take over the entertainment chair position on the committee. Gary agreed. Together, he and Marcia turned what had been simply disc jockeys stationed around the Square as people walked around into a lineup of 30 or more live acts that brought people to the Square and made them sit down and stay. “It seemed like one thing evolved into another. I found I could hire another group here or there,” Gary told The Herald last year. “I had an hour there with nothing going on the stage. All of a sudden, we just created it all.” The Schnells stepped down from their role last year after 10 years of coordinating Strassenfest entertainment. Amid all the growth in the first 20 years of the Strassenfest, festival management decided to make a big change behind the scenes about 20 years ago. At that time, leadership decided the festival had grown so large it was time to split from the Cham-
ber of Commerce. Now, Strassenfest is its own organization with its own board and committee, though the Chamber continues to play a huge role in marketing for the festival. In fact, Chamber Executive Director Nancy Eckerle said much of July is spent preparing for the festival and fielding phone calls from possible tourists interested in the event. “We take time to talk to people about the festival every day, 10 times a day,” Eckerle said. Strassenfest 1979 wasn’t the first time Jasper people celebrated their German heritage. In 1957, the town celebrated Pioneer German Days, and in 1895, the town held its first German Day celebration. The 1895 celebration attracted attendees from Chrisney and Tell City who took the train into Jasper for the picnic. The Weekly Jasper Courier dubbed the 1895 celebration “a grand success,” though it noted the May day was a bit chilly. Both early celebrations included a few events that are Strassenfest staples as well, most notably a parade and dancing. It seems as much as German celebrations in Jasper have changed, they’ve also stayed a bit the same.
40 N E W PA T IE N T S W E L C O M E !
Com plete D entistry for the W hole Fam ily
e s n s fes a r t t S
W e offer dentalcare for a lifetim e of healthy teeth and gum s.
GeneralDentistry • Fillings Extractions • Crow ns • Cleaning Cosm etic Dentistry Jasper L ocation: 671 3rd A venu e,Su ite D 812-634-6425
Jasper's Original Hardware Store Since 1892!
P etersburg L ocation: 292 W .M a in Street 812-354-8404 M ost Insurances A ccepted
Dust off your lederhosen, and join us for the area's most festive celebration of German heritage!
L. H. Sturm Hardware 516 M ain Street • On The Squ are • Jasper 812-482-6506 N icho la s W .G iesler,D D S
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 9
Ja s pe r
Fe rd in a n d
C raig H annem an
M ike Blum e, A A M S®
416 Jackson S t 812-481-1035
R ick Kurzendoerfer 1208 N ew ton S treet 812-482-5020
223 W est 10th S treet A 812-367-0692
H un tin gb urg
R ick Pflanz
S te 100 431 East 4th S treet 812-683-4370
A ndrea Lichlyter 813 Third A venue 812-634-6010
N icholas Schnarr, A A M S® N ext to S ears 812-482-3190
D illon K Seiler
471 U S 231 S outh S uite 1 812-556-0268
PAGE 10 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
Bramwell-McKay Masonry Our Services Include:
Issues you notice about your foundation or basement are things we are here to consult with you about. If you have vertical or stairstep cracks in your home, bowing basement walls, cracks in your brick or stone work, windows and doors hard to open, wet basement, or musty smells, these are all signs of potential foundation trouble.
These problems can occur whether your home is old or new, whether it sits on a crawlspace, basement, or a combination of both. Bramwell-McKay has replaced more foundations in the Midwest than any other contractor.
Our knowledge of foundation repair and replacement is unsurpassed.
www.bramwellmckay.com For help in Dubois and surrounding counties, contact Bramwell-McKay for a free, no-obligation consultation and assessment of your foundation’s condition. Call 812-631-5925.
No Photoshop Caption found
Historic Restoration Consulting & Education Chimney Repair Commercial Masonry Crawl Space Conversions Expert Tuckpointing Foundation Repair Basement Waterproofing Masonry and Concrete Cutting Monuments and Signs Residential Masonry Structural Masonry Repair Summer Kitchens Walkways and Patios
THE HERALD â– WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH â– PAGE 11
Miss Strassenfests The queen pageant is a Strassenfest staple. Here are the winners from over the years. Continued on page 12. Beckie Bartley Knust Miss Strassenfest 1979
Jan Huther Hipp
Diane Buechlein Brescher
Angie Terwiske Hochgesang
Kelley Dilger Coppens
Dr. Lesley Flannagan Kizior
Laura Conner Seng
Jennifer Tunks Olinger
Gretchen Himsel Derazi
Nikki Hudson Finelli
Stacey Letterman Williams
Tara Kieffner Popp
Dr. Kelly Flannagan Young
Kelly Craig Schaefer
Dr. Hannah Woebkenberg
Elizabeth Gramelspacher Flatt
Janelle Spellmeyer Feltman
Amanda Brockman
Emily Luebbehusen
Dr. Kristin Weidenbenner Eckerle
Caitlyn Brick
Sarah Thyen
Dr. Brenda Stenftenagel Jardenil
Abby Durcholz Brelage
Shelley Leinenbach Uebelhor
Kelli Helming Kunkel
Cara Roeder Pierce
Amy Merder Buechlein
Amy Uebelhor Schmitt
Miss Strassenfest 1980
Miss Strassenfest 1982
Miss Strassenfest 1981
Miss Strassenfest 1987
Miss Strassenfest 1983
Miss Strassenfest 1988
Miss Strassenfest 1986
Miss Strassenfest 1992
Miss Strassenfest 1998
Miss Strassenfest 1993
Miss Strassenfest 2000
Miss Strassenfest 1999
Dr. Gabby Schmitt Miss Strassenfest 2004
Miss Strassenfest 1990
Miss Strassenfest 1991
Miss Strassenfest 1989
Miss Strassenfest 1995
Miss Strassenfest 1994
Jami Arvin Seifert
Miss Strassenfest 1985
Miss Strassenfest 1984
Miss Strassenfest 2005
Miss Strassenfest 2001
Miss Strassenfest 2006
Miss Strassenfest 1997
Miss Strassenfest 1996
Miss Strassenfest 2007
Miss Strassenfest 2002
Miss Strassenfest 2008
Miss Strassenfest 2003
Miss Strassenfest 2009
PAGE 12 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
Miss Strassenfests (Concluded from Page 11)
Allie Backman
Miss Strassenfest 2010
Hannah Burgess
Miss Strassenfest 2011
Charlotte Olson
Miss Strassenfest 2012
Contestants gathered around newly crowned 1982 Strassenfest Queen Abby Durcholz.
Mallory Humbert
Annie Stenftenagel
Camille Ruff
Vanessa Hickman
Kara Skorge
Hannah Rydberg
Miss Strassenfest 2013
Miss Strassenfest 2016
Miss Strassenfest 2014
Miss Strassenfest 2017
Miss Strassenfest 2015
Miss Strassenfest 2018
Cara Roeder, 1988 Strassenfest Queen, gets a congratulatory hug.
“Prost” to the Jasper Strassenfest on Their 40th Anniversary
P lum bing / H VA C / F ire P ro tectio n / S heet M eta lFa brica tio n / C ra ne W o rk R esidentia l/ C o m m ercia l/ Industria l
Proud to be part of the Jasper Community! 402 M cC rillus S treet,Ja sper,IN • 812-482-4425 • P L C #C O 88701618
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 13
E R N Y S H E E T M E TA L , IN C. S ince 1978
Industrial& Com m ercial Sheet M etal • Dust Collecting System s
• Finishing Room s for W oodw orking Industries
1020 Second Avenue • Jasper,Indiana
812-482-1044
Have a great time at the 40th Strassenfest
Allstores now open on Sundays from N oon-7:30pm
NORTH 2905 N. Newto n St., Jasper SOUTH 480 S. U.S. 231, Jasper
Wooden Keg Liquors 513 3rd A ve., Jasper
W e ha ve a gre a t s e le c tion ofb a r s upplie s for your S tra s s e n fe s t P a rtie s !
R BE E
L
O IQ U
R
b le a l i A va N orth s g K e tthe tore a S t piri S e &s tin g n i W Ta
ge of L a r tion e r e c tBe l e S ra f C wn O ourBe e r Y ke k s M a 6 P a c e c tion Sel
a ll e r fo orit s e v M ixurFa in ks yo Dr
PAGE 14 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
The joy of being young and free in summertime, of running with friends and seeing the finish line just ahead, shows on the faces of Brayden Erny, Klint Heichelbech, Kiersten Hile, Michelle Hopf, Tara Schnaus and Tiffany Small. They were strapped together with an entire roll of masking tape for a race in the Mini Anything Goes contest at Strassenfest in 1989. The six youngsters, members of the Bruz’N Others team, took first place that year.
Weird & Wacky Side of the Fest By ALLEN LAMAN alaman@dcherald.com JASPER — Jasper’s Strassenfest has seen its fair share of weird. Mike Ackerman, the festival’s current chairman, remembers an activity called Anything Goes, which was based on an absurd game show by the same name. Teams would race against each other to complete an assortment of odd tasks — the 1981 festival brochure includes a photo of a participant driving a golf cart blindfolded and others pushing around a bouldersized ball that resembles the Earth. “That was a wacky thing,” he said. “It may be that you’d have to crawl through something stupid and pour water in to stuff to (win). It’d just be weird, random stuff that they would make them do.” And that’s just the beginning of the wacky Strassenfest rabbit hole. If you’ve been around long enough, you probably have a story or two of your own. From using beds and bar stools as makeshift race cars to facilitating skateboarding exhibitions, the 40-year-old festival’s history is peppered with the obscure. Ackerman said the Anything Goes event was scrapped due to low participation numbers. It usually took place on Sunday before the fireworks display, and by then, most people were absolutely drained.
If you weren’t tired from the Wettlauf 5K walk and run — where beer is rumored to have been handed out at the finish line in the early years — maybe you were icing your arm after getting slammed out of the annual arm wrestling contest or trying to chuck a bale of hale farther than anyone else in the hay bale contest. Or, perhaps you were snoozing while recovering from a Sunday bed race. That unique sprint was run down Main Street by contestants pushing a mattress on wheels — and a person laying on it. The festival’s first chairman, Charles Stenftenagel, who held the title for the festival’s first two iterations, remembers there were no regulations on the beds and he saw all kinds of creative construction back when it was introduced in 1980. Old photos show frames that were cut and curved aerodynamically like race cars. Former Indiana University basketball star and current UCLA coach Steve Alford even participated in the race in 1987. One year, a runaway bed caused trouble when it slid into a crowd of onlookers. The contest went into hibernation shortly after, but was revived in the late 2000s for a few more runs. Stenftenagel also remembers the bar stool races, which were similar to the bed races but replaced the beds with souped stools on balanced on platforms with wheels and powered by lawn mower engines. He remembers the carp
fishing contest at Patoka Lake, where contestants would catch the “trash fish” not fit for eating. More brochures from decades past show black and white photos of kids pedaling in a tricycle race in 1981 and a team of volleyball players dressed in togas in 1987. Why, you might be wondering, did they do all this stuff? Well, simply put, the original organizers needed to fill the time with something fun. “We were trying to have continuity all the way until fireworks on Sunday night,” Stenftenagel said. He later said with a laugh: “You can’t be in the Bier Garten 100 percent of the time. A lot of transitions have happened over the years. There’s a lot of new events. Of course, life changes and so demand for different events change.” Dave Buehler was the president of the Jasper Action Team, a group that formed in the 1970s and started the fest. He said somebody has to lead the charge and organize the events, and when they don’t, that’s why they fade away. But even today, some of the German festival’s quirk still remains. The annual stein holding contest — a test that measures who can hold a 1-liter mug filled with water with their arm fully extended at shoulder height the longest — will take place at 8 p.m. Thursday in the Bier Garden. The annual log-sawing contest, one of the festival’s longest-running events, will take place from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday on the main stage. But no matter how funky the activities, the theme of celebrating and promoting German heritage remains and will continue to remain at the heart of Strassenfest. Buehler recently said that Jasper was dead in the water before it was home to the Strassenfest, and that the success of the first few fests led to the formation of the city’s German Club and pairing with sister city Pfaffenweiler, Germany. “In the end, it’s something that really brings the community together,” Stenftenagel said. “We share our heritage.”
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 15
Trike Relay Race at the 1984 Strassenfest.
Jeff Hentrup gave it his best shot in the arm wrestling tourney in 1982.
Five of the Jagermeisters try to fill buckets from a stream being directed at them from their sixth team member during the Anything Goes competition in 1982.
Contestants zig-zagged around pylons, stopped at the bar for a drink, and zipped through them again during the bar stool race in 1984.
The idea was to get from Paul’s corner on the Square in Jasper to the K. of C. in the fastest time in 1981. The only hitch was you had to take your bed with you.
PAGE 16 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
Festival Memories
FESTGOERS SHARE THEIR MEMORIES FROM PAST STRASSENFESTS.
Residents of Germany waved to the crowd during the Strassenfest parade in 2015. (Photo courtesy Lynn Eckerle)
Eckerles here, there and everywhere I love waking up in the morning, eager to see what adventure life has bought me. In July of 2015, that adventure was a trip to Jasper, Indiana with several members of the Michigan Eckerles. We arrived in time to catch the annual Strassenfest. Never had I figured I’d find an unknown, long lost (to me at least) branch of the Eckerle clan. My cousin Paula, the genealogist of the family, discovered this enclave of Eckerles the previous year and paid them a visit. The sister city of Jasper is Pfaffenweiler, Germany; the Eckerle ancestral home. The last I knew, an Eckerle has lived in the family home there since 1613. My great-grandfather Richard came to America from Pfaffenweiler at the age of fourteen in 1882. The first Eckerle to settle in Jasper came with nine other families in 1813 — sixty-nine years earlier. A son, George was born. He was one of the first generation of American Eckerles. We met Pat (Eckerle) Goepfrich, at Shoney’s in Jasper, for breakfast and afterward, she took us on a tour of the town. She showed us the Eckerle dairy farm, stopped by her brother’s for Eckerle cozies; he owns Eckerle Construction Company. We saw a banner on the side of an RV in support of Nancy Eckerle for city council. We took pictures and met more Eckerles. We also made a swing outside of town, down a road lined on both sides with tasseled corn. The fields were owned and farmed by Eckerles. We finished the tour in time to head downtown for the Strassenfest parade. When the float filled with visiting German Eckerles went by I wanted to shout, “Da ich bin. Es ist Lynn (It’s me. It’s Lynn),” but I settled for cheering and waving. Our final stop before dinner was at the Dubois County Museum where we saw how our Eckerle ancestors had lived. It was at the museum that we found a wonderful lady who translated
great-grandpa’s birth certificate. It was written in old German script. Up until then, Paula and I had been unable to find anyone who could read it. I went from thinking that there were so few of us — nine at last count in Michigan — to belonging to this large clan on two continents. The Michigan Eckerles, the Jasper Eckerles and the German Eckerles are all part of a whole that converges in Pfaffenweiler. —Lynn Eckerle
ing large, flat donuts and instead of the name Funnel Cakes, Dad suggested Elephant Ears. The club gave their nod of approval and the club ran with it. The first official Elephant Ear stand was on the back porch of our home in Jasper on Mill Street. Dad is a perfectionist. He worked with the old Jasper City Bakery to make the dough. The dough recipe had to be right — right to rise, right to stretch and right to the taste. Following several tastes tests and upset stomachs, the first official Elephant Ear stand in Dubois County was introduced at the first Jasper Stressenfest. The Elephant Ear stand became a big success at the Jasper Strassenfest and the Dubois County 4-H Fair for years to come. —Bryan Young; son of Ed Young — aka, The Elephant Ear Man
The year Mary Poppins seemed to pop in Ed Young
The man behind the first Optimist Elephant Ear Prior to Jasper Strassenfest’s first year, our family made a trip to the Indiana State Fair. We supported our brother, Jeff, who participated in the state marching band contest. While walking the fair grounds, Dad stumbled along a vendor who sold large, flat donuts, called Funnel Cakes. He bought one and liked it. Dad’s wheels were turning. He became very interested in how the vendor made the cakes. Dad spoke with the vendor for a couple of hours, capturing his notes on napkins. Since its inception, Dad’s been a lifetime member of the Jasper Optimist Club. The club was planning to participate in the Strassenfest. Dad approached the club with his idea of sell-
The 2009 Strassenfest brought guests from Pfaffenweiler, Germany, and also rain. It rained on Thursday morning as final touches were being made to the booths and later on Thursday evening and at other times during the Fest. There was a hole in the tent that covers a portion of the BierGarten. Someone stood on a picnic table and inserted an umbrella in the hole and opened the it with the top portion of the umbrella on the outside of the tent helping to divert the water from coming in. From the inside of the tent it looked like Mary Poppins had landed and had forgotten to take her umbrella because all you could see was the curve of umbrella! —Patti Geopfrich
Nothing like it used to be! Fest has changed Shari Wagner shared a list of memories, including: Strassenfest commitee members’ cheeseburger lunch at the old K of C on Thursdays with all mem-
bers dressing in German attire, bed races, barstool races, keg toss, fishing contest, anything goes along with the mini-anything goes, original beer garden location with it’s mini dance floor and getting in there before you were 21-years-old and people rocking the port-a-potties until one fell over, rides on the south side of the courthouse, main stage location changes over the years, softball and volleyball tourneys, baby-can-do, the entire parade route starting at the Kimball parking lot on 15th Street, trike and big wheel races along with the Das Kinderspiel, original Alpen Echos and Harmonika Boys, teen dance on Friday night on Fifth Street behind Boeckman’s Furniture, Schnitzelbank and Yaggi’s beer gardens during the fest, also, too many more to think of right now. It’s nothing like it used to be! —Shari Cossler Wagner
Strassenfest is like a calendar for her My son was born in December the year before the first Strassenfest. I worked at the firemen auxiliary stand and he was with me every day at the stand. So every Strassenfest I always remember how old he is! I haven’t missed a year since! —Carla Pfau
Losing, and finding, our son in the festival crowd In 1996, we received our son, who was 8 years old at the time. We took him to the fest and told him if we lost him in the crowd to meet at the Ferris wheel. Well, I stopped at a game and when I went to turn around I had lost him. I went to the Ferris wheel and my little man was sitting there calm as could be. I was so scared but lived to tell about it. The year ended great as we officially adopted him in December and he called us mom and dad. Memories, you’ve got to love them. —Fred Baker
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 17
PAGE 18 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 19
PAGE 20 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
A bo ut B unkum V a lley R o o fing B u nku m Va lley R o o fing is a Fa m ily O w ned a nd O pera ted B u siness in L o o go o tee,IN & serving B lo o m ingto n & E va nsville,IN . W e specia lize in W a terpro o fing co m m ercia la nd indu stria llo w -slo ped ro o fs in So u thern a nd C entra lIndia na a nd N o rthern K y. W e a tB u nku m Va lley R o o fing,kno w tha tyo u r co m m ercia lo r indu stria lro o f is the m o stim po rta ntpa rto f yo u r bu ilding. Tha tis w hy w e cho o se to u se the highestqu a lity pro du cts in A m erica (C o nklin R o o fing System s)! C o nklin ha s been o ne o f A m erica ’s to p cho ices fo r co m m ercia lro o f so lu tio ns fo r o ver 40 yea rs. H aving insta lled B illio ns o f squ a re feeto f co m m ercia la nd indu stria lbu ildings thro u gho u tthe U nited Sta tes w ith so m e o f these ro o fs STIL L prefo rm ing a fter 40 yea rs. W e Strive to be com petitive in the m arketplace,yetwe willnotsacrifice on the quality ofthe productswe use!
Serving A llof YourFlat,Low Slope and M etalRoofing Needsin Indiana and Kentucky!
QUA
L ITY IS N O T
E
XP E N S IV E
- I T'S P
RICE L E S S
Ja s o n W a gler 19 8 6 6 US Hw y 2 3 1 Lo o go o tee, IN 4 75 5 3
812-486-6357 812-486-9281
w w w .b un kum va lle yroofin g.c om
!
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 21
The first Wettlauf attracted 117 runners. The road race has been a staple of the Strassenfest ever since.
Remembering the Strassenfest’s ‘firsts’ By KATHLEEN MESSMER Herald News Intern JASPER — As we celebrate the 40th Strassenfest this week, let’s meet some of the fest’s “firsts,” such as the first host and hostess, the first Miss Strassenfest and a member of the first Strassenfest Committee. The first host and hostess Each year, the president of the Jasper Deutscher Verein, or German Club, and their spouse are named the Host and Hostess of the annual Jasper Strassenfest. There was no host and hostess for the inaugural fest in 1979, but German Club President Dan Wehr and his wife, Linda, both of Jasper, were named the first host and hostess in 1980. As host and hostess, the couple enjoyed greeting people and welcoming them to the Strassenfest. The two were also the emcees of several events throughout the fest and judged some of the competitions. As president of the German Club, Dan also helped set up and tear down the booths and stage around the Square. Linda, also a member of the first Strassenfest Committee, assisted in the organization of the buntings, flags and booths so they all displayed the same, bold German colors: yellow, red and black. “We were very busy,” Dan said. Provided by Uebelhor and Sons Chevrolet in Jasper, the couple had the opportunity to drive around in a 1970 Chevrolet Corvette that was also an Indianapolis 500 pace car. The welcoming of traditional German Lederhosen and Dirndls at the Strassenfest can also be largely accredited to the Wehrs. “The first year of the Strassenfest, I only saw one person in a German vest,” Dan said. He and Linda sponsored the search for traditional German clothing and found Lederhosen and Dirndls at stores in Georgia and Pennsylvania. Dan and the German Club designed a vest and Dan and Linda wore German clothing during their time as host and hostess. A tradition that began in 1983, the “Ceremonial Tapping of the First Keg” on the main stage is one of Dan’s favorite events the Strassenfest has to offer. “I have always been a part of that,” Dan said. “A lot of people are in costume and it is ceremonial.” He and his wife love the camaraderie the fest brings. “It draws in a big crowd and lots of people come in,” Dan said. The first Miss Strassenfest Crowned in 1979, Beckie Bartley Knust reigned as the first ever Miss Strassenfest. “I had worked at Dubois County Bank (now Old National) and Bob Stenftenagel approached me and asked if I would do it to represent the bank,” Knust said. She entered
Linda and Dan Wehr, the first hostess and host of the fest. the pageant at 18 years old and competed for the title with eight other contestants. Unlike today, the contest was held on the main stage Thursday evening, the opening night of the fest. The contest is now held the Saturday before the fest begins. According to Knust, the pageant was very traditional. “There was an interview, a swimsuit competition and an evening gown competition,” she said. “It was very basic. It was so new, nobody knew what to expect.” In addition to crowning a Miss Strassenfest, the contest also had a first, second, and third runner-up, but there was no Miss Congeniality or Miss Photogenic. Knust said she received a gift certificate, roses and a crown. “I enjoyed being at as many activities that time would allow,” she said of the first Strassenfest. “Like the waterball contest, volleyball tournament and kiddie races.” Knust also served on the Strassenfest Committee for eight years, but became less involved when she had kids. She has only missed one year of the Strassenfest due to her son’s baseball tournament in Wisconsin. She and her late husband, Gary, have a son, Andy, who is 23 years old and a daughter, Amy, who recently turned 21. “I tried to get them to do Little Miss/ Mister but they weren’t into that,” Becky laughed. “I did the pageant because I like trying new things and meeting new people,” she said, adding that it got her out of her comfort zone and encouraged her to be more outgoing. “I always look forward to the food and it’s just like one big party,” she added about the fest. Beckie currently lives in Jasper and
Becky Bartley Knust, the first queen. works as an inside sales consultant at Stens Corporation. The first committee There’s no doubt the first Strassenfest
would not have been possible without the first Strassenfest Committee. Members of the very first committee worked diligently to put together a fantastic first fest. “We had tons of meetings,” said Ken Sternberg, a member of that first committee. The committee made sure everything was perfect. From taking care of booths and their locations to making sure the fest had electricity, the committee did it all. “We would go up and down Newton Street in Jasper and pull weeds the week before and cleaned up the lawns along the way,” Sternberg said. “For opening night on Thursday, we were all working up to the last second ... just worn out. So much had to be done, we didn’t know if anyone would show up.” Committee members didn’t know what to expect because they didn’t have a lot of money for advertising. Despite uncertainty, the first Strassenfest was successful from the first minute. “We just thought, ‘Oh yeah this will work,’ so we tried it,” Sternberg said. “That’s the way you start something. It seems like it started pretty big for the first year, it was totally successful from day one. People swarmed.” Though the fest was not nearly as big as it is today, Sternberg says it was a great size for the first year. “Everybody worked so hard it was unreal,” he said. “We worked dawn to dusk trying to make sure everything worked out. We wanted everyone to be excited about what was happening.” One of his favorite memories from the first fest, which he vividly remembers, is the dunking booth. Everyone who had been involved in organizing the event was dunked. “Everyone thought it was the neatest thing to dunk all of the people that worked on it,” Sternberg said, adding that even he took a dip. Former owner of Sternberg’s Furniture Showrooms, his store was conveniently situated on the Courthouse Square where the fest was, and still is, held. “If there were any problems or if anything came up or needed help, we were always there,” Sternberg said. “Everyone would come into the store because we were kind of in a central location for making sure everything went OK. We met a lot of new people, it was well worth staying open and meeting the people that were coming through.” Though he is no longer involved with the making of the Strassenfest, Sternberg was actively involved in one way or another for nearly 30 years. He enjoys seeing the fest grow and become more successful each year. “The entertainment has gotten better, I like that part of it,” he said. “It’s really gotten to be quite an event.”
PAGE 22 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
Parade grand marshals over the years 1985 — Dr. William DeVries, the heart surgeon for Bill Schroeder, the second artificial heart recipient 1986 —The Budweiser Clydesdales 1987 — N/A 1988 — N/A 1989 — N/A 1990 — Dr. and Mrs. Klaus Schraymeyer, German General Council 1991 — Mary Jo Meuser, Jasper High School German teacher and promoter of the German Exchange Program 1992 — Dr. Detlof von Berg, German General Counsel 1993 — Clarence and Henrietta Buechler 1994 — The Pfaffenweiler Accordian Club, The Pfaffenweiler Traditional Costume Dance Group and the Budweiser Clydesdales team from New Hampshire 1995 — Stan and Mary Jane Krempp, Aristokraft 1996 — Archbishop Daniel Buechlein, a Dubois County native and the fifth archbishop of Indianapolis 1997 — Father Robert Greene, a Jasper native, prisoner of war and missionary of China 1998 — Bob and Josie Siebert, Siebert’s Clothing Store 1999 — Claude and Martina Eckert, initiated the Jasper/Pfaffenweiler Partnership Commission 2000 — Dave Buehler, Buehler Foods 2001 — Bernie Vogler, local business owner and Jasper supporter 2002 — Frank Ebenkamp, Jasper’s oldest cheerleader and supporter 2003 — Charles Stenftenagel, the first Jasper Strassenfest chairman 2004 — Steffi Keusch 2005 — Franz and Baerbel Hilger 2006 — Phil Gramelspacher, representative of the Jasper Desk Company 2007 — Jim Peter 2008 — Dan Wehr 2009 — Matthias and Kathy Hilger 2010 — Leo and Lora Lou Eckerle
Dr. Jurgen Ruhfus, the West German ambassador to the U.S. and his wife, Karin, rode in the Strassenfest parade on Aug. 7, 1988. Ruhfus was the parade’s grand marshal. 2011 — Mayor William J. Schmitt 2012 — Paul Knies 2013 — Patti Goepfrich
2014 — Tom Schum 2015 — Karin Horst of Pfaffenweiler, German, and Stan Jochum of Jasper
2016 — Dave & Janet Kluemper 2017 — Ron Flick
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
3 9 3 3 R D AV E., JASPER
Start Your
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 23
R ESTAUR AN T
8 12 -4 8 2 -2 6 4 0
Strassenfest At The Finest
German Buffet THURS., AUG. 2ND & FRI., AUG. 3RD 5 PM-9 PM and SAT., AUG. 4TH Noon - 9:00 PM • Country Fried Chicken - Dubois County Original, Now World Famous! • Goulash - Tender cooked pieces of beef in rich wine sauce • Schweine Schnitzel - Tender choice pork tenderloin dipped in egg batter and bread crumbs, pan fried to a golden brown
• Assorted Sausages - Our special German Sausages • Sauerbrauten - Beef marinated in sweet-sour gravy • Kassler Rippchen - Hickory smoked chops, tender and delicious • German Fries • Spätzle • Red Cabbage • Green Beans • Hot German Potato Salad• Sauerkraut • Biscuits with Applebutter • Includes Our Famous Soup & Salad Bar with German Bread
$
19
ALL for ONLY
95 CHILDREN $ 10 & Under
13
Complete your meal with our deliciously SPECIAL Hot Apple Strudel or German Chocolate Pie
95
ONLY
$
350
www.schnitzelbank.com or e-mail: alan@schnitzelbank.com
Strassenfest Congratulations on all of the hard work invested by the Strassenfest Committees over the years. Thanks for keeping the Jasper Strassenfest running like a well oiled machine.
C O M P A N Y , IN C
2060 S. Lube Way, Jasper • 812-482-6666
Supplying RealG ood Fuel and Lubricants Since 1940
PAGE 24 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
2008 STRASSENFEST
Joy Steffen hung on tight as she was propelled down Main Street in Jasper by the runners of the Happy Hour Sports Bar and Grill bed racing team.
Looking Back
10 years Ago
Avery Bartley of Jasper, 4, got her hair colored with pink spray.
Luke Fleck, 10, left, and Morgan Rottet, 13, both of Jasper, found relief from the evening heat while watching the Strassenfest Ball Race.
Melissa Watson, right, and Emily Hickerson tried their hand at log sawing.
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 25
Custom Brick & Stone Work
Celebrating 40 Years of Strassenfests ... And 40 Years of Covering Strassenfests. Young’s Masonry & Building, Inc. Quality Work Since 1964
For ALL Your Construction & Remodeling Needs • Cus tom Bric k & S ton e W ork • Pa tios • Fire pla c e s • Tuc kpoin tin g • Room A d d ition s • Ba s e m e n tRe m od e ls
Give us a call 812-482-1180 TODAY!
PAGE 26 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
1998 STRASSENFEST
Some festgoers of the 1998 Strassenfest said crowds were so heavy at times it was difficult to move.
Looking Back
20 years Ago
Emily Flick, 8, and Kyle Betz, 5, screamed through a ride.
Hans Peter Kalt, Wlater Boesch and Joseph Walbel of the Snail Valley Alpine Horn Blowers from Pfaffenweiler gave a performance.
Jonathan Lynn, 7, waved to one of the hot air balloons as it left the field during the balloon race in 1998.
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 27
Jasper Strassenfest!! Here's to 40 more years of festival fun!
• Accounting and Record Keeping • Business Management Services • Check Writing and Accounts Payable Services • Invoicing and Accounts Receivable Services • Payroll Services • Tax Return Preparation Individuals & Businesses “You do what you’re good at and let us do the rest.”
John C. Kamman, E.A. John @ b km orein c.com 2120 N. Cullen A ven ue Eva n sville, IN 47715 812.473.3585
Need a meal catered during the Strassenfest? Give us a call!
Strassenfest 40th Anniversary
426 E. 4th Street Hun tin g b urg , IN 47542 812.6 83.1040
Congratulations on 40 Years!!
OWNER: MARK GUDORF
812-482-1081 812-309-0661
Jasper, IN 47546
Radiant Heat
PAGE 28 ■ STRASSENFEST HEADERHERE 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
1988 STRASSENFEST
“That Way,” Steve Nordhoff told his godson, Joshua Kalb, during the diaper derby event at the Strassenfest baby contest.
Looking Back
30 years Ago
Members of the Strassenfest Committee and their families watched as parachutists descended toward Jasper.
An honor guard led the parade that marched through Jasper’s streets.
Gretchen Himsel of Jasper performed a jazz dance during the Talentspiel.
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 29
Proudly Serving Dubois County Since 1998!
UP S FE DE X US P S 812-482-7447 (SH IP ) FA X 812-482-7297 w w w .packandshipinjasper.com m ailbox@ psci.net O P EN: M O NDA Y TH R U FR IDA Y 9 A M -5 P M ; SA TU R DA Y 9 A M -NO O N
S e e us for Cus tom Ba n n e rs , Copie s , Fa x, In vita tion s & M ore
PAGE 30 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
Little Miss The Little Miss Pageant was introduced in 1988.
Beth Gramelspacher
Denise Lechner
Lyndsay Wendholt
Nicole Sternberg
Kamasia Kern
Ashley Braun
Jillian Letterman
Stephanie Hoffman
Audrey Wessel
Natasha Nelson
Jordon Morton
Kyla Stenftenagel
Emily Mendel
Natasha Durcholz
Marissa Weisman
Miriah Moeller
Mackenzie Mendel
Hannah Sibrel
Chloe Berger
Kathryn Wigand
Hannah Welp
Sydney Pinkstaff
Reagan Egbert
Avery Bartley
Delaney Wigand
Serenidy Eckerle
CC Hanneman
Andyn Lampert
Kennedy Kunkel
Audrey Hoffman
Victoria Gunselman
Little Miss 1988
Little Miss 1995
Little Miss 2003
Little Miss 2011
Little Miss 1996
Little Miss 2004
Little Miss 2012
Little Miss 1989
Little Miss 1997
Little Miss 2005
Little Miss 2013
Little Miss 1990
Little Miss 1998
Little Miss 2006
Little Miss 2014
Thanks for the community’s support for the past 43 years! HEATING, COOLING, PLUMBING
Fu rna c es & AirCo nd itio ners
G rea t S a v in gs & E x p ert In sta lla tio n!
Free Estimates
MATTRESSES
FURNITURE
Little Miss 1991
Little Miss 1999
Little Miss 2007
Little Miss 2015
Little Miss 1992
Little Miss 2000
Little Miss 2008
Little Miss 2016
Little Miss 1993
Little Miss 2001
Little Miss 2009
Little Miss 2017
Little Miss 1994
Little Miss 2002
Little Miss 2010
Little Miss 2018
40th Strassenfest German Heritage Performers At Opening Ceremonies Thursday, August 2 at 6:15pm
RECLINERS
•Power Lift Chairs •Leather Sofas •Dining Room •Bedroom •Living Room •Entertainment Centers FLOORCOVERING
APPLIANCES
• • • • •
Quality Installation and Service On Everything We Sell
Carpet Tile Hardwood Laminate Vinyl
NEW HOME DISCOUNTS!
HOME COMFORT CENTERS 650 Division Road, Jasper
105 N. JFK Avenue, Loogootee
482-2246
295-5444
Mon., Tues. & Thurs. 9-5:30; Wed. & Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-3 www.englertshomecomfortcenter.com
R o w 1: E m ilie R ecker, Jeb Stratto n, A lly W agner, E lla W agner, K eato n G u nselm an, E lla Fakes R o w 2: R ilyn Tru esdale, Isabella K lu esner, B riley P o rter, H arper G u nn, E li W erner, C lara H elm ing, L au ryn Tru esdale R o w 3: L o gan G ram m er, B eth G ram m er, A m o s B u schko etter, E rin H erbst, N icho la s H o dell, B rea nn L echner N o t pictu red: E than Fritch,M elanie P atterso n,H alle R ecker
New German Heritage Celebrations included in Opening Ceremonies • Wilkommen Dance • Mai Pole Dance
• Lantern Lighting • Schuhplattler Dance
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 31
Shirley’s Sewing Stuff
Engagement Rings
SPOOLS to
NEW SALE DAILY COME CHECK US OUT!
YARNS
and everything in between
7 ROOMS FILLED
25% Off ALL
INSTRUCTION BOOKS Available for Purchase ... Handcrafted • PURSES – felted & fabric • QUILTS – lap • SCARVES – crocheted & knitted
Yarns Needles Threads Scissors
Quilt Fabrics & Supplies Patterns Fabrics Notions & Much More!
Since
1990
Southgate Center, Jasper
w w w .olin gerd iam on d .com
482-4214
H O U R S:M on ., T u es., T h u rs.9:30-5:30; W ed .& F ri.9:30-8:00; Sat.9:00-4:00
FR Screw EE driver with a ny pu rcha
se!
812-683-3377 • 800-375-2785 11356 S. US 231, Dale – Between Dale & Huntingburg shirleyssewingstuff.com
Estate Jewelry
N ot affiliated w ith R olex W atch U SA
SERVING SENIORS SINCE 1979!
Our SOLUTIONS keep your business on top!
Since 1993
A FFO R D A B L E IN D E P E N D E N T SE N IO R L IV IN G • E ligibility is 62 yea rs o f a ge o r o lder • Indo o r L a u ndry Fa cility, L o bbies & M a ilro o m • Schedu led So cia lG a therings • E m ergency P u llC o rds • D ish,D irecTV a nd C a ble A
• C o nveniently L o ca ted N extto Ja sper M a no r Sho pping C enter • Indo o r R ecrea tio n A rea • E leva to r A ccessible Fo r A ll3 Flo o rs! • FR E E To u r & B ro chu re re A va ila ble fo r TV V iew ing
TTY (8 0 0 ) 74 3 -3 3 3 3
Servicing local businesses in
Dubois County and Surrounding Counties with
TELEPHONE AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS 450 E.11th Avenue • Jasper,Indiana 812-634-8001 eck-m undy.com
Strassenfest has been celebrating our German Heritage since 1978!! Happy 40th Anniversary! 6 6 0 R u m b a c h Avenu e, Ja s per, IN 4 75 4 6 -3 5 15 , 8 12 -4 8 2 -5 9 13
PAGE 32 â– STRASSENFEST 40TH
Little Mister & Junior Miss
THE HERALD â– WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
Heath Messier
Cameron Corn
Max Hopf
Little Mister 1999
Leighton Hochgesang Little Mister 2000
Ryker Weidenbenner
Betz Courtland
Seth Theile
Andy Gutgsell
Noah Rydberg
Branton Abbett
Hagan Patton
Austin Rawlins
Caleb Burger
Avery Hollinden
Trace Weidenbenner
Mason Schoenbachler Little Mister 2012
Ethan Schaefer
Kai Kunz
Cole Lampert
Sam Shappard
Charlie Seifert
Oliver Williams
Vanessa Hickman
Chloe Smith
Ashley Whitsitt
Lydia Shepherd
Chloe Herzog
Andrea Burkhart
Ava Collins
Karis Wigand
Michelle Ondiek
Little Mister 2004
Junior Miss 2011
Little Mister 1997
Little Mister 2005
Little Mister 2013
Junior Miss 2012
Little Mister 1998
Little Mister 2006
Little Mister 2014
Junior Miss 2013
Little Mister 2007
Little Mister 2015
Junior Miss 2014
Little Mister 2008
Little Mister 2016
Junior Miss 2015
Little Mister 2001
Little Mister 2009
Little Mister 2017
Junior Miss 2016
Little Mister 2002
Little Mister 2010
Little Mister 2018
Junior Miss 2017
Little Mister 2003
Little Mister 2011
Junior Miss 2010
Junior Miss 2018
Congratulations, Strassenfest! Wishing everyone a wunderbar time celebrating 40 years! From all of us at
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 33
Electrical Contracting and Maintenance * Custom Processing of Cattle and Hogs * Retailand W holesale Sales: • Beef,Pork,Lim ited Selection of Poultry,Seafood and Cheeses M erkley recipe products: Sm oked Ham s and Bacon Fresh Sausage -Plain & Flavored Pork Tenderloins Brats -Fresh and Cooked Hot Dogs -Old Fashioned NaturalCasing & Skinless Ribs – Bolognas – Sum m er Sausages & M uch M ore!
• Industrial • Commercial
• Agricultural • Residential
Spec ia l R ec ipe M a rin a ted Tu rkey Ten d ers!
– Quality Since 1954 – 3994 W 180 N ,Jasper,IN 47546 812-482-7020
Natural LANDSCAPE STONE Mon.-Fri. 7 am - 4:00 pm • Sat. 7-11am WALLS, WALKWAYS FLAGSTONE & PAVE RS
BOULDERS & COBBLES
6673 East Schnellville Road St. Anthony, IN
812-389-2418
800-246-1630
FIRE UP THE GRILL ... Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The Jasper Strassenfest!
PATIOS • LEDGE ROCK EDGING • STONE STEPS • Gas • Charcoal • Portable • Smokers • Electric • Weber® Cleaning Supplies Seasonings • Marinades • Sauces
W o o d F ired F la vo r W orld’sBestSm okerand Grill! X -L arge, L arge, M edium , S m all& M in i S izes
FULL LINE Accessories Available
Free Assembly
•
Free Delivery in Jasper Area
LAWN & GARDEN GRILLS
2208 Newton Street • Jasper, IN • 812-482-4444
• G rill • B a ke • S m o ke • B ra ise •B B Q
APPLIANCE CENTER FIREPLACES
“W e’llGive You Lots of Great Reasons to VisitTom ’s” 719 W .6th Street • In the “Y” Jasper,IN • 812-634-1950 M -T-Th-F 8-5:30;W 8-7;Sat.8-2:30 w w w.tom slga.com
PAGE 34 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
Strassenfest highlights 1979
■■ The first Strassenfest is held in Jasper. Organized by the members of the Jasper business community, it is the first celebration dedicated to Jasper’s German heritage since Pioneer German Days in 1957. ■■ Members of the first Strassenfest Committee include Charles Stenftenagel (chairman), Jim Harris, Anne Gootee, Paul Seidl, Jack Brandt, Bernie Vogler, Cliff Dugan, Pete Sermersheim, Charles Tagliereni, Tom Hynes, Dennis Kelly and Ken Sternberg. ■■ The first weekend of August is chosen for the celebration, with events scheduled from Thursday evening to Sunday evening. ■■ The Queen Contest is held on opening night. ■■ The Beer Garden is located in the parking lot at the northeast corner of the Square. ■■ The first “Wettlauf” is run on Saturday morning, with separate 5K and 10K. ■■ The “Home-Made Parade” is held on Saturday afternoon on Main Street. ■■ Activities and events include train rides at the Southern Railway train station, a firemen’s waterball contest, a skate-boarding exhibition, a volleyball tournament, a horseshoe tourney, a golf scramble, a baby contest. ■■ The closing ceremonies at Alumni Stadium include an “Anything Goes” competition.
1980
■■ Jasper Deutscher Verein German Club formed. ■■ Events include an arm wrestling contest, a hay-bale contest, a skating contest, a carp-fishing contest, a tug-of-war and a canoe race. ■■ The first bed race is run on Sunday afternoon on Main Street, north of the courthouse.
1981
■■ The Schnitzelbank Band provides music at the opening ceremonies. ■■ A farmers’ market is held on Saturday afternoon at the Older Americans’ Center.
1982
■■ The first Talentspiel is held on Wednesday evening at the Jasper Civic Auditorium. ■■ Saturday events include a “Big Wheel” tricycle race for the children and a “Trink- Rennen” (drink race) for the adults.
■■ The First Presbyterian Church holds its first “Arts and Crafts Fair” at Library Park.
1983
■■ Opening ceremonies include the “Ceremonial Tapping of the First Keg” on the Main Stage. ■■ Sunday activities include an archery contest, a “Spasslauf” fun-walk around downtown, and a bar stool race after the bed race.
1984
■■ A “Mini-Anything Goes” contest, for youths aged 8-10, is held on Friday evening at Library Park.
1985
■■ The Strassenfest this year is dedicated to Bill Schroeder and his family, who are made “Honorary Hosts.” Bill’s heart surgeon, Dr. William DeVries of Louisville, is selected as the Strassenfest’s first-ever Grand Marshal.
1986
■■ The Budweiser Clydesdales make their first Strassenfest appearance and serve as Grand Marshals of the Sunday parade. ■■ The first Little Miss Strassenfest contest is incorporated into the Queen Pageant.
1987
■■ Special guests include 65 residents from the village of Pfaffenweiler. ■■ The log-sawing contest makes its debut. ■■ Former IU basketball star, Steve Alford, participates in the bed race.
1988
■■ A long-time Jasper tradition, the Box Parade, formerly held on Labor Day weekend, is incorporated into the Strassenfest. ■■ The final bed race is run, until its brief revival 20 years later.
1989
held at the new Sultan’s Run Golf Course.
1993
■■ The final “Anything Goes” competition is held.
1994
■■ The Budweiser Clydesdales make their second appearance.
1995
■■ Mike Harvey and his “Super Gold Sock Hop” appear for the first time. ■■ The hot air balloon race and sheephead tournament make their debuts. ■■ A chicken dance contest is scheduled for the first time in the Beer Garden.
1996
■■ A new, larger Main Stage is constructed in the northeast corner of the Square, after years of being located on the west side of the courthouse. ■■ The first Little Mister Strassenfest contestants compete at the Queen’s Pageant.
1998
■■ The Pfaffenweiler Stone Carvers Group and the Snail Valley Alpine Horn Blowers pay a special visit to the Strassenfest.
1999
■■ The Dubois County Museum holds its grand opening in the 150-year old GramelspacherGutzweiler House.
2000
■■ The Riverwalk and Plaza are available to the Strassenfest patrons for the first time.
2001
■■ The “Auto Schau” and pork barbecue contest are introduced.
2004
■■ ROJAC hosts the groundbreaking for the new Jasper Train Depot.
2005
■■ Polka Masses are held at each of Jasper’s three Catholic churches for the first time.
■■ Ground is broken on ROJAC’s second major project, the Jasper City Mill, although actual construction won’t begin until 2008.
1990
2007
■■ Appearing in the Strassenfest Parade is the Jasper Engines-sponsored #77 Nascar race car with driver Ken Ragan.
1992
■■ The ROJAC-rebuilt Schaeffer Log Barn is open to Strassenfest visitors for the first time.
2008
■■ The bed race returns after a 20-year hiatus.
■■ The first “$100,000 Hole-in-One Shootout” is
Like a good neighbor.State Farm isthere. Since 1922
Congratulations to Jasper’s 40th Strassenfest Anniversary! Providing Insurance and Financial S ervices… S ince 1987 Julie and Carl Burns S arah V innedg e Brenda M ehring er
2009
■■ The Budweiser Clydesdales make their third appearance at the Strassenfest. ■■ The Jasper City Mill opens to the public. ■■ The first KCBS-sanctioned barbecue contest is held on the grounds adjacent to the Schaeffer Log Barn.
2010
■■ A Junior Miss segment is added to the evening program. ■■ The third and final bed race of the 2000s is run on Sunday afternoon after the parade.
2012
■■ A “flash mob” does a surprise performance during opening ceremonies.
2013
■■ Young ballet dancers from Dance Company No. 1 of Augsburg, Bavaria join with Dance Central Academy members in a performance at the Cabby O’Neill Gymnasium.
2014
■■ The Jasper Lions Club stages the first “Dachshund Dash” at Schroeder Complex. ■■ The Jasper Stone Carver Group presents its first Strassenfest demonstration at the Dubois County Museum.
2015
■■ Approximately 40 residents of Pfaffenweiler are special guests of the Strassenfest. ■■ A sculpture by local artist Zach Dawkins commemorating the early pioneers is unveiled at the Schaeffer Barn.
2016
■■ The new mural at 6th and Newton Streets commissioned by Jasper Deutscher Verein is formally dedicated. ■■ A plaque commemorating Jasper’s founding in 1830 is affixed to City Hall and dedicated.
2017
■■ As redevelopment of Old Jasper near Patoka River prepares to start, several events are moved from the Schaefer Barn area to 2nd Street Complex; the car show is moved to Jaycee Park.
2018
■■ Next Act’s renovation of the Astra theatre was complete in April 2018 and the facility is used for a first Strassenfest event, a free children’s movie.
A TU L A TI O N S CO N G R
To The 1979 Jasper Strassenfest Committee
Fo r their trem endo us effo rts, fo resight,dedica tio n,a nd idea s!
A FTE R 40 Y E A RS I T'S S TIL L A W O W W E E K E N D!
P IE P E R -B U R N S S TA T E FA R M IN S U R A N C E A G E N C Y pieperburnsinsura nce.co m
415 C lay S treet, Jasp er, IN 812-482-5151
Phone:812-482-4224
Hoffm anofficesupply.com 116 E 7th S t.Jasper
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018
STRASSENFEST 40TH ■ PAGE 35
PAGE 36 ■ STRASSENFEST 40TH
THE HERALD ■ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2018