It’s Germany at Morrison with the 18th Annual Biergarten Festival

MORRISON, Colo. - July 3, 2014 - PRLog -- It will feel like Germany again in Morrison when the Colorado Chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) presents the 18th annual Biergarten Festival (www.Biergartenfest.com) from Friday through Sunday, July 11 to 13, 2014. “It is a great opportunity for Coloradans to be a German for a day or two practicing their German language skills and enjoying a strong German atmosphere” according to Fred Beisser, president of the GACC.

The Biergarten opens at 4 p.m. on Friday and at 11 a.m. on Saturday, closing at 10 p.m. both nights. In addition it opens at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning for “Fruehschoppen” and a Germany style buffet brunch. While the buffet ends at 2 p.m., the Biergarten Festival itself continues until 5 p.m.

Location is the TEV Edelweiss Pavilion, at 17832 Highway 8, Morrison. The Biergarten Festival is produced in the spirit of the traditional family friendly Biergartens found primarily in southern Germany since the 19^th century and is a fundraiser for the GACC’s programs. Adult admission is $7 for Friday or Saturday. Sunday admission offers an early bird special of $1 until noon and then $5 until closing.  Children 12 years and under are free.

Family oriented, the festival offers great authentic German food, a Biergarten with five varieties of Paulaner beer from Germany plus their non-alcoholic Thomas Brau, live music and dancing. Featured performers include three German style bands with traditional German music for “Kinder” of all ages. Jake Alvarez’ House Blend Jazz Ensemble will entertain during Sunday Fruehschoppen. The event includes appearances by the award-winning TEV Edelweiss Schuhplattler dancers (traditional Bavarian dancers) and a children’s activities area featuring games designed especially for them.

“This is a wonderful cultural event for kids from one to 100,” noted Joshua Seeberg, manager of the event. “We have created an event that has something for everyone. According to the 2010 census, 22 percent of Coloradoans claimed German descent making it the largest ethnic group and we are pleased to provide them with a piece of their heritage.” Seeberg noted that last year’s event drew some 2,500 visitors. He advises those coming to the event to watch for the banner and signs on the east side of Highway 8 at the parking area between The Fort Restaurant and the Town of Morrison.

Children attending the festival will enjoy a variety games and entertainment as well as the chance to try some German games such as Eierlaufen (egg races), Sacklaufen (sack race), Ringhuepfen (ring hopping race) and Torwandschiessen. The Colorado Rapids street team along with their mascot will also appear for “Fussball” (soccer) fans.

The German food will be provided by the award winning Chef Neuhold and his crew from Fort Collins. Some 90,000 visitors to the 2013 Denver Christkindl Market (www.DenverChristKindlMarket.com) enjoyed his cuisine. The official beer purveyor for the festival will be Paulaner from Munich, Germany offering five varieties and a non-alcholic Bier.

The outstanding TEV Edelweiss Schuhplattler dancers consistently win national awards in dancing competition across the USA.

As in previous years Saturday will include the popular bratwurst eating contest at 4 p.m.

Volunteers enter free, receive a free Tee-Shirt and food and drink. More info about the Biergarten Festival is on the Web at www.BiergartenFest.com . Alternatively, call Joshua Seeberg at (303) 837-1146 for Biergarten Festival info.

Sponsors of this year’s event are The Lufthansa Group, Beaver Creek German Auto Festival, Stihl USA and Paulaner HP USA.

About the GACC. The German American Chamber of Commerce – Colorado Chapter is the initial contact for German companies considering business in the Rocky Mountain region and connects German decision-makers with their U.S. counterparts. Web: www.GACCCO.org

About TEV Edelweiss. Formed in 1958, Denver based TEV Edelweiss is dedicated to the preservation of German customs and costumes. On the Web: www.TEVEdelweiss.org.