Why Wait for Oktoberfest? For the first time Pinellas County's German American Society invites the public to share its heritage at a traditional springtime Maifest (May Festival). This annual event will take place Fri., May 4, from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sat., May 5, from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the society's historic dance hall located at 8098 66th St. in Pinellas Park - members $5, guests $7
For almost two decades Tampa Bay residents have been enjoying the famed German Oktoberfest celebration at this Pinellas Park destination. But this year you won't need to wait until fall to enjoy an authentic fun German celebration.
The traditional German Maifest celebration will feature the wonderful live entertainment of the famous Alpen Diamanten Band and the great German music from the always popular duo Sepp & Heinz. It is a time when genuine German beer and wine flow and tables overflow with authentic German food and delicious confectionery. The famous Enzianer Schuhplattler folk dancers will perform the traditional Maypole Dance celebrating nature's bright reawakening after winter.
Since medieval times, May 1st has been a day of celebration. Originally intended to ensure fertility for crops, cattle and humans, it has survived as a popular springtime festival. Today many customs are still connected to this day. Throughout Germany, one can observe the decorated Maibaum (Maypole) in some prominent spot in towns and villages. The Maypole and the dance around it is a symbol of spring's reawakening of fruitfulness and whole villages gather around the Maypole to hold hands, dance, sing and drink.
For more than 55 years the German American Society of Pinellas has preserved German tradition and heritage, fostering fellowship, scholarship and honoring the contributions of Germans to America. The Society located in Pinellas Park has over 200 members living in Tampa Bay area. A long-established dinner and dance is held every Sat. night. And the Society opens its doors to the public each fall for the most authentic German Oktoberfest in the county.
For more information on this traditional May Festival, you can also call Jerry House at 727 866-7232; jerry.house@mindspring.com
