Storchenfest 2011

Well it was that time again. The annual Storchenfest (stork festival). This year we had three baby storks but one died a few weeks ago, who knows why. Anyway, we once again had wonderful weather, lots of people and lots of fun. Here are a few pictures from the day. We hope that you enjoy them.

The crew. Everyone but Gerhard and Roswita are in this picture. I don't know why they weren't there because they both work so our for our club but here we are. The average age is just around 70 and these folks put up all the tents, clean the little houses, cook the food and of course, pick all the apples and make the apple wine we serve every year. It's a great bunch. Don't we look fantastic in our new t-shirts!

Lining up for the bratwurst, steaks and french fries.

We always have pony riding.

You can look through the telescope at the storks.

My friends Kirsten and Sabine hanging out for the day. Don't let her fool you with the water thing, Kirsten enjoyed a little homemade applewine from the club. Not sure if they tried the schnaps. All the little ones belong to Kirsten but the teenager goes with Sabine.

Gerhard and Friend entertaining the crowd before the raffle.
He made it onto YouTube with this act.

OK so here are the cakes or parts of them. We sell it by the slice. This is only a small sample. We have three little refrigerators to keep some of the cakes in because there just isn't enough room.

Best looking cakes this year from Maria and Roswitha.
Don't worry, they always taste just as good as they look.

OK so how many german men does it take to hook up one beer dispenser. Listen, the foam is the thing so you have got to have just the right mix of gas. Lots of tasting is needed.

Wolfgang runs the raffle every year. We always have a lot of fun. People win bird houses for the garden or day trips with our local travel bus group Bender Royal Tours or dinner for two at Lempps. Lots of different things to win. This year was a huge success.

Notice that everyone else is in short sleeves but Gisela.

Our new dog friend Henry. He is real.

The cutest little cowgirl in town!

After a long day, we all sat around and had beer and an apple Schnaps (produced by the bird club members from our trees). We had to do something with the old apple wine so Schnaps it is.

This is Gerhard. He is a school friend from Ella and yes he is on stilts.

The guests of honor. This year we had three baby storks but for some reason we found on dead on the ground about two weeks ago. You can tell which ones are the babies because they have black beaks. When they are old enough to leave the nest, the beaks turn orange-red.

So that's it for another year. Maybe next year, you can come and enjoy our fest, apple wine, apple schnaps and fabulous food and drink yourself. Oh, and don't forget to stop by the cake house and say hello and maybe buy a slice or two from one of your cakes. Wiedersehen!