First Annual Bluff SchuetzenFest Planned
For a half century between the 1870s and 1920s the Bluff Schuetzenverein invited people from across Texas to gather on the Bluff overlooking La Grange. They participated in marksmanship competitions, celebrated the holidays, enjoyed picnics, played games for young and old, and danced to German folk music. The Bluff became a favorite gathering place among German-Texans. In many ways, the Schuetzenverein provided the glue that held the community together. The Friends of Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill State Historic Sites and the Texas Historical Commission are excited to bring back many of the Schuetzenverein’s traditions and celebrations with the first annual Bluff SchuetzenFest on Saturday, May 14.
As its English translation implies, the Schuetzenverein was a shooting club; however, it was much more than that. “The Schuetzenverein was a social organization for the Bluff community, Fayette County, and beyond,” says Assistant Sites Manager Gavin Miculka. “The club provided a means to share news, celebrate German heritage, advocate for causes, and promote intercommunal cooperation.” Beginning in the 1870s, the Bluff Schuetzenverein leased property from the Kreische family and constructed a shooting range, dance pavilion, and concession stand. Though these structures no longer stand, their former grounds provide the ideal location for Bluff SchuetzenFest. As part of Bluff SchuetzenFest on May 14, a free family festival, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., will feature live music, traditional games, living history activities, guided tours, special exhibits, community booths, food, drinks, and more. SchuetzenFest will conclude with Texas History on Tap, 5-8 p.m., where ticketed guests can sample a variety of Texas craft beers, meet the teams behind some of Texas’s most celebrated craft breweries, enjoy premium food and drinks, and dance the night away to Texas and German music. Tickets for the Texas History on Tap component will go on sale in March. Additional details about Bluff Schuetzen-Fest will be released in the coming weeks and will be available on the event webpage, www. friendsofkreischebrewery.org/ schuetzenfest.
The Friends organization is seeking the support of this inaugural festival through donations and sponsorships. “Just as the community came together on the Bluff during the Schuetzenverein’s heyday, we’re excited to bring together our community’s business and civic organizations to help preserve and share our local history,” says Friends Board President Katy Beauford. Revenues collected during the SchuetzenFest will support the Friends education and preservation programs at Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill; however, sponsorships are needed to help cover event costs. National Bank and Trust has already committed as the event’s platinum sponsor, but a variety of sponsorship opportunities remain in levels ranging from $250-$750. Sponsorship benefits include recognition in event materials and tickets to Texas History on Tap. Individuals can also support the event’s development through donations. Those who contribute $100 or more will be recognized as SchuetzenFest Flag Bearers and receive exclusive benefits not available to general event attendees. For information on sponsorship or Flag Bearer opportunities, email friendsofkreischebrewery@gmail.com or call (979) 968-5658.