This weekend, I am retracing roots. I have traveled back to Kansas for the semi-annual Von Feldt cousins reunion. At least 30 or 40 people with the last names of Von Feldt, Dreiling, Sander and "married to" names will assemble in Victoria, Kansas, my home town, for horse shoes, "disks" german polka dancing and more than a few sips of alcohol.
I came a day early to spend a little afternoon time at the Ft. Hays State Octoberfest. It is big for a festival in the Midwest. A chance for many school organizations to fund raise as well as a chance to party before the big homecoming day, the festival really is a testament to life and culture around here in Hays.
For me - I came for the people watching - and of course the food. This is the only place I get what we call "real German food." Of course, it really isn't exactly German. It is a version of food carried over from the old country - and augmented by local abundance of certain products during long hard winters 100 years ago. The traditions continue.
Here is a typical menu at one of the booths, run by one of the senior organizations supporting veterans that have died.
These are all of the favorites, including "beans and noodles" (hamhock cooked white beans served over the top of fried noodles), Galuski (many names for this - but basically a cabbage wrapped meatball), Kucken (cake pastry with a berry topping) and hearts - the cookie kind. For $8 - you could get a plate full of a sampling of everything - enough food to feed 2 or 3.
I wanted to share a few more photos that I found a little interesting.
We had to try some bull fries. If you can see the German here, the slogans read (in Kansas German) "Not just the best, it's nuts!" and "These nuts taste great!" You can guess what they are. And fried in flour with horseradish sauce, they aren't so bad.
A lot of the school clubs had booths. I found the Finance Club quite industrious. After all, who would not want turkey legs and shot glasses? Whiskey is a big thing out here. I am glad Ft. Hays is training future accountants!
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I came a day early to spend a little afternoon time at the Ft. Hays State Octoberfest. It is big for a festival in the Midwest. A chance for many school organizations to fund raise as well as a chance to party before the big homecoming day, the festival really is a testament to life and culture around here in Hays.
For me - I came for the people watching - and of course the food. This is the only place I get what we call "real German food." Of course, it really isn't exactly German. It is a version of food carried over from the old country - and augmented by local abundance of certain products during long hard winters 100 years ago. The traditions continue.
Here is a typical menu at one of the booths, run by one of the senior organizations supporting veterans that have died.
These are all of the favorites, including "beans and noodles" (hamhock cooked white beans served over the top of fried noodles), Galuski (many names for this - but basically a cabbage wrapped meatball), Kucken (cake pastry with a berry topping) and hearts - the cookie kind. For $8 - you could get a plate full of a sampling of everything - enough food to feed 2 or 3.
I wanted to share a few more photos that I found a little interesting.
Want to see more?
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