Schlachtfest and German American-Day

Join us on Sunday, October 6th for our annual Schlachtfest at Hickory Grove Park, 12403 Hickory Grove Rd., Dunlap, IL from noon to 8 pm.  The event is sponsored by the Peoria German-American Central Society at Hickory Grove Park

Schlachtfest or slaughter fest is a old German tradition related to the slaughtering of animals in the Fall before Winter sets in.  Our Schlachtfest is essentially an Oktoberfest held in the country.

Music!
Food and Beer!
Merchandise!
German Car and Bike Cruis’n!
Children’s Playground, adult games, bonfire in the evening, and more!
Fun for the whole family!

The fest has been combined with a celebration of German-American Day and as a kick-off to German-American Heritage month in Peoria.  German-American Day is officially the 6th of October.  The first German settlement in American was established at Germantown, Pennsylvania on October 6, 1683.  In 1987 Ronald Reagan signed S.J. Resolution 108 into law recognizing this date.

This holiday was originally celebrated during the 19th Century, but died out in World War I.  The holiday was reestablished by Ronald Reagan in 1983 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the first German settlers to the colonies.

About one in four Americans claim to be of German descent.  Even though Germans have settled in the United States for over 300 years, the first German settlers didn’t arrive in Peoria until the 1830’s.

The Germans have made significant contributions to the tri-county area since their arrival.  Many of the businesses including retail stores, steel fabrication, breweries, butcher shops, etc. were largely German through the 1800’s and on into the early 1900’s .  The population of Peoria more than tripled after the influx of, first, German immigrants, then Irish, Italian, and Lebanese immigrants.  The influence of the Germans was heavy in the development of a city from a small town.

Hickory Grove is styled after a typical German Beer Garden.  The Schlachtfest and German-American Day Celebration features German food and entertainment.

The event will feature:

German Music by the Ratskellar Brummer’s, Lindenhof Echoes and Vogel Music.
Complete German Dinners with Sides.  Sandwiches Available Separately
A campfire will round off the evening, including complimentary marshmallows.
More Activities:

Shooting Tent and Nagelspielen.
Playground equipment for the kids
A German Car Cruis’n is being run at the same time.  Owners of German make cars and/or motorcycles are welcome to participate.  The Cruis’n will run from noon until 5 pm.  Participants who arrive before 2:00 pm will receive a coupon for a drink or sandwich.  If you arrive later than 2:00 pm, you may still participate in the car show but you will not receive a coupon.   There is no cost to participate in the Cruis’n .
We only allow service animals at our public events.  There is no ATM on site.  We take cash only.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

For more details on this event or any other Peoria German-American Society events go to our website at:  www.peoriagermans.net or contact via e-mail at:  info@peoriagermans.net.