Redcliff’s German-Canadian Association hosting 50th anniversary celebration

Redcliff’s chapter of the GermanCanadian Association of Alberta is hosting a 50th anniversary celebration for the provincial group on Saturday at the German Canadian Harmony Club.

Linda Cleveland, a board member of the Redcliff club, said it’s important for Albertans of German descent to support one another through an association.

“They work to promote and maintain and support the German culture in Alberta, one that started back in the 1920s when the German people in this community started getting together,” she said.

“They support German functions. They provide scholarships to students who want to study, say, the German language or have done a lot of volunteering and need some support through their educational endeavours.” There are 25 German-Canadian clubs in the province.

Saturday’s event opens its doors at 4 p.m., with programming beginning at 5 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., shortly after introductions, there will be a “hot German dinner,” including German favourites schnitzel, cabbage rolls and red cabbage, as well as mashed potatoes and vegetables.

After supper, a performance is scheduled for Calgary’s Schuhplattlers.

“They’re German dancers, the men in the leather lederhosen, and they do Bavarian-German dancing,” said Cleveland.

Post-performance, there will be a dance from 8-11 p.m. to music from local act, Alpen Schatz.

Attendance is free for club members and $20 for the general public.

Those looking to attend must RSVP by today at noon at 403-548-7531 or 403-548-6092.