Prince Albertoktoberfesttel: +27 (0)23 5411 366 fax: +27 (0)23 5411 788 e-mail: princealberttourism@intekom.co.za
|
|
|
An
"Oktoberfest"
in Prince Albert - WHY?
The
farm Kweekvallei was established in 1762 and in 1845 Queen Victoria gave
permission for the village, which had grown from the farm, to be named after her
beloved Consort, Prince Albert. On the 13th of December 2001, the 140th
anniversary of the death of Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, some of Prince
Albert's residents gathered and wondered - what can we do to honour this truly
remarkable man? He was...
|
|
|
*
Father of nine children and their most dedicated and enthusiastic teacher *
The driving force behind the first World Exhibition in 1851 *
Creater of the Crystal Palace - where the Exhibition was held *
Developer of the sewerage system in London *
Writer of Queen Victoria's speeches *
The man who suggested the introduction of the Victoria Cross - the highest
British *
Student of architecture and music... the list goes on and on.
|
|
|
Research
revealed that Her Majesty had asked her cousin to marry her on the 15th of
October 1839, a role reversal ocasioned by her superior royal status. This
interesting fact inspired the current residents of Prince Albert to plan a
festival in October in honour of Prince Albert. In
Germany October is the first month of Autumn. The leaves turn gold and red and
flutter to the ground, spiders spin webs which sparkle with dew and the chill of
winter beckons. In every little village throughout Germany, until the 1800's,
October was the month of the Harvest Festival. But the origin of today's 'Oktoberfest'
was a royal wedding celebration. In 1810 the first official 'Oktoberfest' was
held in Munich and the Bavarian/Frankish traditions of that region came into
play. German
history and South African tradition could be combined: Prince Albert would be
honoured and remembered by the village in South Africa
which bears his name. An 'Oktoberfest'
in the tradition of his Bavarian/Frankish homeland would be held.
|
|
|
The
ground rules were established: 1.
All proceeds would benefit the school 2.
The musicians would be Prince Albert residents 3.
The music would be in the German tradition 4.
Guests artists would be welcome to perform during the evening 5.
The Hoërskool Zwartberg parents and students would organise and run the 6.
In the Frankish tradition of Coburg the menu would include eisbein, sauerkraut
and beer!
|
|
| Hoërskool
Zwartberg
and numerous Prince Alberters set out with zeal. Bodo G. Toelstede, a German who
lives in the village, gathered Prince Albert's musicians. These musicians
were called "Funny Bones", translated into Afrikaans this became
the "Prince Albert Kieliebeentjies". Through his energy and drive and his superb organisation of the Oktoberfest, Bodo has successfully raised thousands of rands for the school over the years. THANK YOU, BODO! |
 |
 |
Verle, Miss Oktoberfest
2006
and Marlene, Miss Oktoberfest 2007. |
An
idea was born, and realised. Now Prince Albert invites YOU to the eighth German
Oktoberfest in October 2009. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Enquiries to Zwartberg High School Tel:023 5411 570
|
|
|
“8th
German Oktoberfest”
