The 53rd German-American Steuben Parade is taking place this Saturday (September 25) at 12pm along 5th Avenue.
The Parade is an annual celebration of the great achievements of German immigrants in the United States, and German-American culture and traditions. It is named in honor of General Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a Prussian officer who was sent to the US in 1777 to assist the newly formed Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War against the British. Von Steuben met with General George Washington in Valley Forge, PA, in 1778, trained the troops and helped lead them to victory, thus winning independence for the U.S. After the war von Steuben retired to New York, until his death in 1794.
For more than 50 years, the German-American Steuben Parade has grown into a colorful and fun annual event with hundreds of music and dance groups, Karneval groups, folks in Tracht (the traditional, historic garb worn in many German regions), the marksmen and all the other marchers on Fifth Avenue.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is in New York for the General Assembly of the United Nations, will kick off 2010 Steuben Parade. The parade will pay tribute to children’s book author, Dr. Seuss, as well as German-American Yankee legends “Babe” Ruth and Lou Gehrig. It will also remember the late Yankee owner George Steinbrenner, a proud German-American and former Grand Marshal of the parade. This year’s Grand Marshals are German-Americans “Dr. Ruth” Westheimer and Dr. Michael Möller, CEO of the world-famous Hofbräuhaus in München/Germany
After the Parade, all are invited to celebrate Oktoberfest in Central Park. This biggest Oktoberfest in New York City features German beer, food and entertainment from Germany and the United States. This year’s lineup includes music by Alpine Squeeze, entertainment by the music and dance groups from the Parade, a special performance by MELINA, and an appearance by Miss German America Stephanie Russell-Kraft. You can try your hand at “stein holding” in honor of Masskrugstemmen (the national championship of stein holding) that will take place around 5 PM. The winner of this nationwide Bavarian strong-man contest will win a trip to Munich.
So, bring your friends and family and enjoy a great Steuben Parade weekend celebrating German-American heritage, history, tradition and friendship.
Steuben Parade Day
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Mass: 9:30 AM at St. Patrick´s Cathedral held by Archbishop Timothy Dolan in German and English
Parade: Noon on Fifth Avenue and 68th Street
Oktoberfest: starts immediately after the parade in Central Park
For more information on the German-American Steuben parade, visit www.germanparadenyc.org
