Bethel is celebrating 175 years on October 4-5, 2019. Everyone is invited to attend to make new friends, revive old acquaintances, learn new information about an age-old tradition, shop for a one of a kind gift, eat German food, or simply relax and enjoy the day.
Friday is what used to be called Heritage Days where elementary students learn about folk art and history outside the traditional classroom. Invitations were sent to Elementary Principals inviting teachers and students to participate. The local significance about cultural history is often times overlooked and this is a perfect opportunity for children to experience first-hand what life might have been like in the mid 1800’s. Children will observe baking bread in an outdoor oven similar to the type of oven used in colony days. Then they can sample homemade butter and apple butter with the bread. Other folk-art demonstrations will include spinning of wool, rug hooking, making soap, crocheting, quilting, shearing sheep, making brick, Scherenschnitte, collection of hand saws and tools, making baskets, playing children’s games from the early 1800’s and more.
Saturday – The Anniversary Celebration continues
• 9am – Folk art demonstrations & shops open
• Civil War Re-enactment
• 11am Fest Hall open for lunch (German Smorgasbord)
• 1:00pm -Colony Home Tours ($10 advance tickets may be purchased at the Fest Hall) One attraction will be Elim, Dr Keil’s home. There will be one tour only and limited tickets available. ONLY people with tickets will be allowed in the homes on the tour. Elim is privately owned and they have graciously allowed people to tour.
• 3:00pm Founders Reception – (free to everyone) Visit with Colony descendants, family, and friends; cake and punch served. Historic documents, pictures, and scrap books available for viewing.
• 5:00 pm doors open at Fest Hall for Authentic German Dinner. Serving begins at 5:30pm (limited to 75 people). Advance tickets only $25; Tickets may be purchased at the Fest Hall or from any Colony Board Member and the ticket also allows admission to the pageant following dinner.. The appetizer will be Frische Tomatensuppe (Fresh Tomato Soup). The entrée’ will be Schweinekoteltt in Zwiebelsosse (Pork Chop in Onion Sauce), Suss-sares Rotkraut (Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage), Grüne Bohnen & Neue Kartoffeln (Green Beans & New Potatoes), Dark Rye Bread & Apple Kuchen for Dessert. Wine available on request.
• 7:00pm Bethel Pageant in the Colony Red Barn. (re-enactment of the Bethel Story) Watch the founding of Bethel, the settlement and the disbandment. Learn about the history, culture, skills and talents of the colonists. $10 tickets at the door or free with a meal ticket.
For more information visit www.HistoricBethel.org, Phone 660-284-6493 • On Facebook @HistoricBethelGermanColony
