By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The German beer flowed, the German food drew long lines of customers, and German garb was in evidence everywhere. Why not, Dekatur Germanfest had rolled around once again.
While Berne, a few miles to the south, was experiencing problems with rain – a concert at the Muensterberg Plaza & Clock Tower had to be canceled – Mother Nature demonstrated her apparent Teutonic leanings in Decatur as the sixth annual Germanfest enjoyed dry, pleasant conditions on Saturday night.
As usual, the Decatur Chamber’s event brought a large crowd to the Madison St. Plaza.
Advertised as a family-friendly time, the Germanfest was that, with wee ones and young ones enjoying the five-hour affair along with the adults.
Even the kids got in on the always-fun stein-holding contests, although they were using cups of water rather than steins filled with water.
The Klaberheads, out of Hamilton, Ohio, were back with their usual music, fun and frolic.
They are led these days by vocalist Emily Klaber, a fourth-generation band member, and Erika Klaber, who has been a member of the group since 2001 and bangs away at her steel drum.
The leadership was turned over in 2006 by Franz Klaber after he suffered a severe stroke. Franz, now in his mid-80s, joined the band was back in 1953, then took over when his father died in 1963.
Through physical therapy and his determination, Franz, with his trombone, still performs on stage and was doing so Saturday night.
The original Franz Klaber Orchestra was founded in 1930 and led by Franz Klaber, a German immigrant from the Saxony region of Germany.
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