Yes, it was a great idea for us
when for the first time ever
the German-American Club
held a Fasching at the local
Palisade Brewery mirroring a
German tradition since 1341.

It was a crowded Sunday afternoon
as members, guests, the public and-
above all the Alpine Echo music band,
all joined inside the Brewery to spend
a rollicking, frolicking, hot time in
celebration with music, song and dance.

The Festival, associated with the
Christian Church traces its roots
back to pagan and Roman times,
driving out evil Winter spirits while
accommodating Spring, good crops-
officially starting eleven November
at eleven o'clock continuing until
the forty-second day prior to Easter.

Costumes were used in Feudal times
to conceal identities, mimic the aristocracy-
they permitted the free mingling with everyone
while having lots of vittles, music and fun.
Today many use their creative costumes to
poke fun at politicians, media, stage personalities-
these then, take on a more milder, subtler tone.
 

Herbert Holzbauer
© March 2006

Midi: "Chicken Dance"
(members.fortunecity.com)

Graphic: "Fashing Costumes"
(courtesy, German-American Club)