Monday, July 7, 2025
So, the 30. Gaufest is over. Many people talk about post Gaufest depression. I understand but never had it too badly. This afternoon after we dropped Karina at the airport and were headed home, I found myself becoming emotional. Is this what Post Gaufest depression is?
I think the feelings of the weekend just caught up with me. In my humble opinion, the 30. Gaufest, hosted by the Enzian Volkstanzgruppe and the United German Hungarians was sensational. But more important is the relationship between the two clubs. The U.G.H. and the EVTG as well as the Delaware Saengerbund have gained an extended family in each other.
I saw this reflected many times over the weekend. Members of both clubs helped out with families with babies and small children. They also filled the water stations. They served the food and worked during the competition. They handled countless other things that needed doing this weekend.
The teams from both clubs who met for numerous hours planning and organizing this Gaufest did an excellent job! Everything was well thought out and planned. The planning included even the minute detail of providing booties to cover the competitors shoes while they walked to the stage! Now that was just absolutely awesome!!!
I am so immensely proud of our young people who have taken on so many responsibilities this time around. All of the volunteers were absolutely amazing! We have so many talented and helpful people.
I saw a symbol of sportsmanship that brought me to tears. The group who just finished competing, GTV Almrausch, stood in line on two sides of the tent. They did this to honor our group coming up to the stage to compete next. How wonderful is that!
–Lisa Hartmann Fricker
EDITOR’S NOTE: Lisa gathered the below comments from various attendees at the Gaufest and compiled them to be published here. We like to from time to time get these articles together with many perspectives on an event or affair. Search our website for “Speaking about…” and you will find others just like it. In the mean time please see the comments about 30. Gaufest:
30. Gaufest! Kid’s first time.
Louisa, “ I loved wearing the matching clothes and the parties, and the snacks!”
“Other than the dust, it was a great week” Vinzenz (if you know him, you know this is a big compliment).
“Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this such a wonderful weekend.”
–Karin Schulz, Vinzenz and Louisa
“I think it’s safe to say the 30th Gaufest surprised us all. It was completely different than what we’re used to and was still very successful. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Gaufest day in and day out. It was wonderful seeing all my friends from near and far and to watch so many lovely clubs dance. Even though my Club co-hosted the event, I am a little biased, but it has been one of my favorite Gaufests’ to date!”
–Lillian Presley (Enzian Volkstanzgruppe)
“From our perspective the 30 Gaufest was nothing but a resounding success. As usual, we had a lot of fun, always seemed to be laughing, caught up with people we had not seen for several years, and actually, found a little time to dance! With few exceptions, everything ran smoothly and on time. The amount of effort planning the event was obvious. Over the weekend, whenever there was a call for help, there were always more than one or two UGH or Delaware people jumping up to handle things. Speaking of the Delaware people, they were terrific. Hard-working and fun too! We both enjoyed working alongside them.
The UGH dancers were great. Chris was helping during the competitions on Friday and Saturday, so she saw almost everyone. She said she had to hold back a few tears (she was supposed to be working) while watching our Einzel dancers, but she couldn’t stop smiling. Saturday, the UGH Gruppen team was spectacular! After they danced, we both were laughing and tearing up at the same time. Chris had to hold it in until after all the judge’s sheets were collected and sorted, and then she let loose!
So here is only one example of why we continue to be immensely proud to be a part of UGH. Our dancers spent countless hours during the last 2 years getting ready for Gaufest. They put many hours in the last few weeks leading up to it. They all were busy each day. They then went out Saturday morning, and they owned that dance floor! Judging by the applause and cheering, a lot of people share our opinion! Afterwards, they celebrated for a short time, and went back to work! Truly amazing! And don’t forget, the Delaware dancers did the same thing, and they should be very proud too!
So, as I started, we think the 2025 Gaufest was a complete success, and both organizations should be very proud!“
-Ed and Chris Tokarski
“I loved being part of hosting and participating in Gaufest 2025! The Fest grounds were the perfect place to reconnect with friends and be part of the all the scheduled events and festivities. A favorite thing for me to do is watch the next generations dancing, making friends, and having a good time. Hopefully they will continue this tradition for many years to come!”
–Susi Hartmann
“At 30. Gaufest, one of my volunteer duties was to sell water, soda, and pretzels. The way the schedule worked out, I would not have had time to change into the recommended tracht for the evening, so I went dressed in the appropriate dirndl and white lace apron. As I was reaching into the cooler to pull out a can of soda, my partner for the day, Sharon (Gunther’s wife), pointed towards the ground and said, “Oh no, look at your apron.” I looked down, and all across the front was a wide band of brown mud created by the water dripping from the bottles and cans. Sharon’s shift was over, but she advised that I go into the kitchen and put some dish soap on the stain before she left. I walked over to the kitchen and went to one of the sinks, where an elderly German woman was working. I excused myself and said I just wanted to put some dish soap on the stain before it set in. She proceeded to, in true German fashion, take charge of the situation. There I stood, like a child, holding my soiled apron out in front of me while she took a kitchen towel, put some soap and very little water on, and began to dab at the giant stain across the bottom of the apron. It took a while, but when it was done, the stain was MUCH lighter and less noticeable. I have to tell you, I am AMAZED that the stain was completely eradicated. When I got home, there was the pristine, white apron. I didn’t even have to wash it!”
-BJ Marth
“The 30. Gaufest held at the Delaware Sangerbund in Newark, Delaware hosted by the Enzian Volkstanzgruppe and the United German Hungarians was a weekend that made my heart feel so full. Full of friendship, gemeutlichkeit, laughter, love, music, and dance. What an amazing time to celebrate our culture, clubs, and camaraderie. Prost!”
–Karina Fricker
“Since joining the German Hungarian dance group, I’ve been to four Gaufests and this one was by far my favorite. Between the camaraderie within the different groups and the atmosphere the whole weekend, I didn’t want to leave. I made so many new connections with people and made stronger connections with people I’ve met over the years. This was my first year competing on the gruppen team and I couldn’t have asked for a better team for my first year. Being the youngest person on the floor, it felt like such an honor to be able to dance alongside such skilled and devoted competitors.”
-Evie Noel
“This was my first Gaufest under a tent and I feel like it made the experience more authentic. It felt like a festival in Germany. The weather was beautiful and everyone was in a great mood. It was amazing to be able to socialize with people from so many different places with different stories and experiences. It was a pleasure getting to know the people from the Delaware Enzian Volkstanzgruppe better and spending more time with them in their wonderful clubhouse and on their grounds. The event was made even more special by being able to witness the German Hungarians come in second place for Gruppen and my daughter Evie Noel come in third place for Einzel.”
–Dawn Noel
I have to admit—my husband Jim and I didn’t quite know what to expect from our very first Gaufest. Preparing for the festival felt like we were getting ready for an elaborate wedding: multiple outfits, dance routines to perfect, and a car packed to the brim with dirndls and lederhosen.
Our journey began with a 1.5-hour drive to Newark, Delaware. After settling into the hotel, I jumped right into my volunteer duties. That evening, we headed to the Saengerbund Club for dinner and to meet up with the rest of the gang.
Day 2: The Heartbeat of Tradition
The Saengerbund grounds were buzzing with dancers and clubs from across the country. Everyone was proudly dressed in their club uniforms, and the atmosphere was electric. Jim and I volunteered at the souvenir table, which turned out to be one of the best parts—it gave us the chance to meet so many wonderful people from all over the U.S.
The welcoming celebration was unforgettable: a flag procession, live bands, and the joy of seeing so many people from around the world come together. The evening ended with a delicious and plentiful meal.
Day 3: Dance, Pride, and Passion
We had a late start but suited up once again and headed back to Gaufest. We watched several Gruppen and Einzel competitions—so many talented dancers! I was especially proud of the UGH dancers, who performed beautifully. Watching everyone in their finest, ready to compete, felt like witnessing the Olympics of German folk dance.
Day 4: Cowboy & Bling Night
The final day arrived, and with it, another outfit change for the much-anticipated Cowboy & Bling Night. The announcement of the competition winners was thrilling—UGH dancers took 2nd place, and I couldn’t have been prouder. They worked so hard and truly deserved the recognition.
That night, we let loose and celebrated with some good old country music. While Jim was on bar duty, I found myself dancing on stage, line dancing with the crowd. Eventually, I joined him behind the bar, serving wine and beer to the lively, beer-infused crowd. It was a blast from start to finish.
A Celebration of Culture and Connection
What amazed me most was how Gaufest brought together people of all ages to celebrate cultural roots and traditions. It was a joyous, vibrant, and deeply meaningful experience. I’m already looking forward to attending Gaufest in 2027—and bringing my extended family along to share in the magic.
-Silvana & Jim Dell
