11th annual Zammelaaf promotes love for PA German heritage
Free social gathering features traditional PA German crafts, toys, songs and stories
About 400 people came out for Pennsylvania German entertainment, crafters and artists, songs and stories at the 11th annual Pennsylvania German Zammelaaf (social gathering) held at the Midway Diner in Bethel on March 18.
Hosted by the nonprofit organization, the Pennsylvania German Zammelaaf, the free event featured traditional PA German crafts, artists, old-fashioned toys, children’s songs and stories, speakers and a silent auction, as well as PA German food prepared by the Midway Diner.
Alice Spayd, co-chair of the PA German Zammelaaf organization explained that the Zammelaaf event, now in its 11th year, replaced the Pennsylvania German Heritage Festival which previously had been held for 16 years at Harrisburg Area Community College’s Lebanon campus.
The purpose of the event is to promote, educate and preserve PA German heritage, culture, history and language, said Spayd.
She hopes attendees gained “a greater appreciation and love for their heritage, their genealogy and history.”
Entertainment & Speakers
PA German music kicked off the daylong event.
Dressed in traditional PA German clothing, Die Schwadore Schalle (The Swatara Sounds) sang a variety of PA German songs. The all-ages choral group has been singing together since 2002. Spayd organized the group to encourage young people to sing in PA German. They have performed at many festivals and events in the area.
A children’s program of stories and songs was presented by Mary Laub, a Kutztown-area PA Dutch author, educator and member of the PA German Zammelaaf organization.
“Mary Laub and her children’s stories and activities were a big hit,” said Spayd. “They were educational in helping children and adults learn PA Dutch.”
Laub is the author of the picture book series, “Uff der Bauerei” (On the Farm),
which is written in Pennsylvania German with English translation. She is also a contributing columnist for Berks-Mont Newspapers. Her “Something Dutch” column is written in both PA Dutch and English.
Presentations were also provided by Jim Dibert who spoke on “Following
the Trail PA German Ancestors” and Dave Carlson who spoke on “Clothing Through the Centuries.”
“Jim Dibert gave a most interesting presentation about the earliest three settlements of our PA German ancestors. He gave a handout of three maps showing the settlements,” Spayd
said. “Dave Carlson educated everyone about the styles and types of clothing our people wore over the centuries. He had many articles of clothing with him.”
Doug Madenford and Chris LaRose concluded the event with “Ask a PA Dutchman: A Mix of PA Dutch Humor and Music.”
“They were a fitting closing to a wonderful day,” said Spayd.
Education
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the PA German language and culture.
“There was a PA Dutch Conversation Table which was a busy place with folks learning about their Mudderschprooch (mother language), practicing speaking it, learning the background of it, and asking how to say a number of phrases,” said Spayd.
Participating vendors and representatives from local historical societies also brought displays, some selling traditional PA German items such as redware pottery,
books, traditional toys and games. For example, Bryan Nye, dressed in traditional costume, brought his collection of animal horns.
The PA German Zammelaaf organization offered “a hearty gross Dank (big thank you) to everyone who came out and supported this event.”
In April, the committee will start planning the 2024 Zammelaaf which is set for March 16.
The Zammelaaf also sponsors the annual Grundsau Lodsch fer Yunge (Groundhog Lodge for Youth). The 5th annual event next year will be held on Jan. 28, with a snow date of Feb. 4.
Visit the PA German Zammelaaf Facebook page for more information.