What to know for Topeka's 2024 Germanfest

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The days are counting down to the biggest celebration of German culture in Topeka this summer.

The annual Germanfest in the Oakland neighborhood regularly brings large crowds out to enjoy German-style food and beverages in early June. Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parrish in Topeka has hosted its Germanfest celebration annually since 1974 as a way to celebrate the local community’s European heritage.

KSNT 27 News spoke with Germanfest organizer Marilyn Riddle about what people can expect from the celebrations this year. She said the festival will be held for two days in June with other fundraisers before and after the event.

Germanfest 2024

Saturday, June 1

• 4 p.m. - Outdoor mass starts.
• 5 p.m. - Outdoor German food line, Bier Garten, snack bar, T-shirt booth, souvenirs, pull tab booth, raffle booth and pretzel booth open.
• 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Silent auction, craft booth, basket booth and jewelry booth.
• 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Mini train and inflatables.
• 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - The Chardon Polka Band plays live.
• 11 p.m. - Germanfest closes for the evening.

Sunday, June 2

• 8 a.m. - Indoor mass at St. Joseph Church starts.
• 10 a.m. - Indoor mass at Sacred Heart Church starts.
• 10 a.m. - Indoor German food line and snack bar open.
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Silent auction, craft booth, basket booth and jewelry booth are open.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Games, inflatables, pull tab booth, raffle booth, T-shirt booth, pretzel booth, souvenirs and Bier Garten are open.
• 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - The Chardon Polka Band plays live.
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Bingo game is open.
• 2 p.m. - Oral auction and raffle drawings.

Food Options

• Homemade German sausage
• Bratwurst
• Krautstrudel
• Dumplings with green beans and ham
• Noodles & sage balls
• Sauerkraut
• German coleslaw
• German potato salad
• Grebble
• Sauerbraten
• Pork & sauerkraut
• Knockwurst
• Fried chicken
• Mashed potatoes & gravy
• Rolls
• Deserts

Drawings

• $1,000
  • Three winners
  • $1 donation per ticket
  • Drawing on June 2
  • Must be present to collect winnings
• $10,000
  • One winner
  • $10 donation per ticket
  • Drawing on June 2
  • Must be present to collect winnings

Fundraisers

Brat Trot 5k

• What: This 5k race is a fundraiser for the Germanfest celebrations in 2024. Awards will also be distributed to the top racers in the men and women's categories, according to the release. Awards for the top three male and female runners in each division will also be given out. Results for the race will be posted on the Sacred Heart - St. Joseph Germanfest website by Monday, May 27.
• When: Check-in lasts from 7-7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 25. The race starts at 8 a.m.
• Where: Santa Fe Park in the Oakland neighborhood.
• Cost: To register you must pay a $30 fee.

Germanfest Golf Tournament

• What: Play golf at the 30th annual golf tournament at Lake Shawnee. Registration includes two golf carts for 18 holes and four green fees for 18 holes. Drink tickets and food will follow the tournament along with awards and prizes, according to the release.
• When: Starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 8.
• Where: Lake Shawnee Golf Course at 4141 SE East Edge Road.
• Cost: $360 team entry fee or $90 per person. You can also pay $100 for a "Hole Sponsorship" to memorialize a loved one.

The Germanfest is held at Sacred Heart Church at 312 NE Freeman Avenue in Topeka. To learn more about the celebrations this year, click here. To see what 2023's Germanfest was like, click here.

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