By Deb Stafinski, Lion
The Vicksburg Lions Club’s first “Beer & Brat” Festival, also known as “Otto’s Bier Garten” began in 1975. Lion Otto Kaak, brought the idea to the Lions Club, as he had fond memories of growing up in Germany where the “Bier and Bratwurst” were featured fare at local festivals. The Vicksburg Lions, looking for a sustaining fundraiser to support their many projects in and around the community, decided to give it a try, and here we are 50 years later!
Some things have changed, but many have remained the same. Our festival location has changed over the years, but we now have a lovely space at the Vicksburg Community Pavilion on Richardson Steet. We still serve John Fink’s famous brats and John Polasek’s delicious kraut! The beer choices have increased, and there are a variety of wines and non-alcoholic beverages available, as well as other tempting treats. And then there are the games, the friends, and the bands, both local and theatrical. You won’t want to miss this three-day event!
The Summer Festival runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 24, 25, and 26. Thursday is Family Night and opens at 4 p.m. with special meal deals for children. There are games and prizes, crafts, balloons, a caricature artist and Kidsight Screening from 6-8 p.m. The live music – “Danny Jam”, will feature talented local artists, and begins at 8 p.m.
Friday opens at 11 a.m. with lunch available on site or to-go. This is a perfect time to get a group together to enjoy our “featured fare”. The Adult Cornhole Tournament begins at 6 p.m. Come and cheer the teams on, and stay for the music by the “Back Roads Band” from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Saturday begins with another unique social event. If you graduated from Vicksburg High School 50-plus years ago, plan on joining your peers for a reunion like no other. Arrive at 11 a.m. for social time. Lunch will be served at noon. The class of 1975 will be the honored class. This is a great time to reconnect and share treasured memories! The Adult Horseshoe Tournament also begins Saturday at 11 a.m. Come early and stay late. Good food and fun served up all day! The grand finale features “HairMania” taking the stage at 8 p.m.
The Vicksburg Lions appreciate your support of our fundraisers which have allowed us to donate $852,000 to state and local projects. We wrapped up our fiscal year with the installation of new officers: 2nd Vice President David VanderHorst, Treasurer Dan Melnik, Tail Twister Virgil Briggs, Secretary Diane Fort, and incoming President Adam Fort.
Not pictured is 1st Vice President Chuck Eyster, who has been called up for the reserves. Lion Wayne Smith conducted the installation ceremony. The Lions meetings begin again in September, at 6 p.m. on the 2nd Monday each month, at the Main Street Pub. New members are welcome! In the meantime we hope to see you at the Summer Festival! For more information, visit our website at https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/vicksburgmi/
