Everything you need to know about Hof GermanFest
Helmut Wenzel sells German wares at the Sneddon Hof GermanFest at the Golden Spike Event Center in Ogden in 2012.
Wearing a chicken hat, Kennedy Hansen, 7, of Farr West swings around the arm of her dad, Dave, during the Chicken Dance at the 2015 Sneddon Hof GermanFest in Ogden. This year's event will be Jan. 22-23 at the Golden Spike Event Center.
Hof GermanFest, featuring music, food, dancing and crafts, is Jan. 22-23, 2016, at the Golden Spike Event Center in Ogden.
Salzburger Echo, a Utah-based band, will play its last Hof GermanFest on Jan. 22-23, 2016, at the Golden Spike Event Center in Ogden. Band members, who played at the first Hof carnival 30 years ago, are retiring.
Once again, it is the time of year when most residents of the Wasatch Front region become very aware of our love of German culture.
That’s right, it’s festival season!
In the winter months come German markets of every size. I was very glad to have recently had the opportunity to visit the Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City over the holidays. But now that the Christmas season is over, I find myself missing the wonder that comes with the traditional German market.
That is where the Hof GermanFest in Ogden comes in. Here’s what to expect from this annual celebration, taking place this year on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 22-23, at the Weber County Fairgrounds.
• All the best from Hof, Germany, Ogden’s sister city:
Did you know that Ogden even had a sister city? This is why we have had the festival since 1986 — to celebrate and showcase some of the great culture, entertainment and food of Germany and of Hof, a town in Bavaria. This year will be even more exciting since 2016 is the 30th anniversary of the festival.
• Great food for everyone’s appetite:
If you’ve tasted an authentic soft pretzel, you know what I’m talking about. Typically featured dishes include bratwurst, European-style hot cocoa, baked goods and more. As a bonus, German food is made to be mobile, so you won’t miss out on the entertainment while grabbing lunch!
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• A huge entertainment lineup:
Listening to the music, singing and even the sound of dancers at Hof GermanFest gives visitors a chance to really be enchanted by their surroundings. This year, the Alpiners, Art Brogli, the Gruber Family Band and Utah’s own Salzburger Echo are included as top performers, with many more musicians joining them.
• A close-up look at many great German traditions:
Sure, you’ve heard of lederhosen, or maybe the dirndl, but what about seeing them in real life? Visitors and performers alike often sport traditional clothing to tie everything together. I will be making an appearance in my Tyrolean, or Bavarian, hat, complete with collected pins and a colorful hat band.
Along with seeing the authentic clothing, you will hear the German language being spoken all around you. As a longtime German student myself, I hope you enjoy the hands-on learning experiences of this festival.
IF YOU GO
If you are interested, come visit from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Jan. 22 and 23 at the Exhibit Hall of the Golden Spike Event Center, 1000 N. 1200 West, Ogden, and have some fun! Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and $5 for ages 3-12. Kids 2 and under are admitted free of charge.
Auf wiedersehen!
London Cummings is a sophomore at Fremont High School. She thinks Marvel movies are awesome and wants to travel the world, although she spends most of her time on Tumblr. Email her at the7fanatic@outlook.com.