Wurstfest 2012, a unique celebration rich in German heritage and full of Texas fun, opens Nov. 2 and continues through Nov. 11, offering 10 days of family-style fun on the Wurstfest grounds along the Comal River in Landa Park in New Braunfels. The festival features the sounds of more the 40 bands playing at four different venues, a carnival, tasty German/Texas foods, the Marktplatz shopping area, and the opportunity to visit with friends while enjoying the view of the scenic Comal River.
Wurstfest officially kicks off with opening ceremonies at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, in the Wursthalle with the “biting of the sausage” and the ceremonial tapping of the keg. The Comal Community Band and Alex Meixner will provide music on opening day from 4 to 5 p.m. For a complete list of entertainment, visit
www.wurstfest.com. Admission to the grounds on Nov. 2 is free from 4 to 7 p.m.
Wurstfest President Martin Allen described Wurstfest as a community reunion.
“Adults remember the days when they went to Wurstfest as a kid, and now, they come back with their families. It is very family oriented,” he said.
Accompanying Allen at this year’s Wurstfest are Al Leach as Festival Chairman and President elect and Frank Witting as Grosse Opa.
The festival began in 1961 as a promotional event for the city’s sausage-making industry. It quickly grew from a two-day event into a week-long event, before expanding into a 10-day affair.
This past year, Steltzenhaus (the “stilt house”), opened as a fourth venue at the festival. Patrons can dance to live bands at the venue that sits above the banks of the Comal River. They also can still enjoy listening to bands at Wursthalle, Das Grosse Zelt (the Big Tent) and Das Kleine Zelt (the Little Tent).
Returning favorites to this year’s Wurstfest include the Jimmy Sturr Orchestra, Alex Meixner, die Schlauberger, Master Yodeler Kerry Christensen and The Squeezebox, just to name a few. Die Bayrische 7 (The Bavarian 7) will be traveling from Munich to perform at Wurstfest. The band is comprised of seven female musicians.
“I would describe this band as having the same type of high-energy band as Alex Meixner and Die Schlauberger,” said Marc Allen, entertainment chair.
For those ready to kick up their heels, the Waltz Contest takes place the first Sunday, Nov. 4, of Wurstfest. The Polka Contest takes place during the second Sunday, Nov. 11, of Wurstfest.
Wurstfest 2012 will offer plenty of festival food favorites including kartoffel puffers (potato pancakes), potato soup, bratwurst, Wurst tacos, chicken-on-a-stick and sausage sampler plates. Dessert booths include strudel, funnel cakes and fried Oreos.
Kinderhalle, hosted by the City of New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department, provides an evening of entertainment for the younger ones attending Wurstfest on both Saturday nights (Nov. 3 and Nov. 10) during Wurstfest. As part of Kinderhalle, several family events take place during Wurstfest as well.
The Circle Arts Theatre will present its annual Wurst melodrama, “Alice in Wurst-erland,” as part of the festival – encouraging the audience to throw popcorn and boo the villain.
Wurstfest patrons also will be able to take part in a Veterans Day Salute on Nov. 11 honoring those who are serving or who have served in the military with a presentation of colors, military songs medley and the playing of “Taps.”
Several area-wide, Wurst-related activities take place during the festival including the Wurst Tour de Gruene, Wurstfest Regatta at Canyon Lake, the Wurstfest 10K Walk hosted by the New Braunfels Marsch-und Wandergruppe and the Wurstfest Skat Tournament at Landa Haus.
Admission to the festival is $8 at the gate; and children ages 12 and younger will be admitted free at all times. Admission is free from 3 to 7 p.m. Nov. 2 and after 3 p.m. on Nov. 11. Group rates, advance discounts and special weekday promotions are available.
Patrons can take advantage of the Park and Ride custom shuttle service provided by Rockin’ R River Rides. The service allows patrons to buy admission tickets ahead of time and tickets for use on the grounds prior to their arrival on the grounds.
For information, call (830) 708-7300 or visit
www.wurstwagen.net.
The Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels is a non-profit corporation whose purpose is to promote the local economy through tourism and promote and preserve the community’s rich German heritage. Proceeds from the event benefit a wide variety of projects.
For information about Wurstfest, call 830/625-9167 or 1-800-221-4369, or visit the Web site at
www.wurstfest.com.
