German Restaurant to host Family Fun at Maifest on May 6

Goodbye grey skies, hello sunshine! The Frau Kemmling Schoolhaus Brewhaus is hosting the 2nd annual celebration of spring on Sunday, May 6 from 11-5pm. “Maifest” is a German tradition which involves the entire family. Jacksonville’s early pioneers gathered friends, family, food and music together in Maifest celebrations as seen in this SOHS photo taken circa 1910 in Jacksonville.

The Jacksonville Maifest celebration was traditionally a fun-filled event for Jacksonville school kids with the highlight of dancing to “Oompah” sounds played by the official Jacksonville Silver Coronet band around the Maypole. Children were taught a sense of community each year; kids would decorate paper baskets, fill them with flowers and leave the packages on a neighbors’ porch, ring the bell and run away before being noticed.

Today, as was the case years ago, a May Queen will be crowned and act as the event announcer for a host of festivities and activities.

For the kids, the day will include Maypole dancing, face painting, free portraits by a caricature artist, a walking magician, a kids bounce house and games. The Sauerkraut Band will be playing music – with dancing expected! Frau Kemmling Schoolhaus Brewhaus will have plenty of food for purchase available for all ages at various food carts, including pretzels, sausage, bratwurst and German beer.

Frau Kemmling Schoolhaus Brewhaus is located at the Bigham Knoll Campus, 525 Bigham Knoll Drive, Jacksonville, OR. Call 541.899.1000 or visit www.fraukemmling.com/Maifest for more information!