Germans and Americans look at explosive ordnance equipment at the German-American Volksfest at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Friday, August 3, 2018. (Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes)
Germans and Americans look at explosive ordnance equipment at the German-American Volksfest at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Friday, August 3, 2018. (Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes)
Germans and Americans try line dancing at the German-American Volksfest at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Friday, Aug. 3, 2018. (Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes)
Germans and Americans, some wearing lederhosen, at the German-American Volksfest at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Friday, Aug. 3, 2018. (Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes)
A German brass band plays at the German-American Volksfest at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Friday, Aug. 3, 2018. (Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes)
Germans and Americans drink beer under a German-style beer tent at the German-American Volksfest at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Friday, Aug. 3, 2018. (Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes)
Ribs are grilled at the German-American Volksfest at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Friday, Aug. 3, 2018. (Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes)
German and American kids climb on a U.S. Army Stryker at the German-American Volksfest at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Friday, Aug. 3, 2018. (Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes)
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – The U.S. Army is hosting the 60th annual German-American Volksfest this weekend at Grafenwoehr.
More than 150,000 people – including U.S. soldiers, their families and Germans – are expected to attend the biggest German-American celebration in the country through Sunday, Army officials said.
The festival mingles both American and German traditions. In one tent, festivalgoers can listen to American pop music, eat BBQ ribs and drink light beer, and in a nearby German-style beer hall tent, they can listen to a Bavarian Oompah Band, eat giant pretzels and drink German beer.
The festival has rides, games and static displays. German locals can get an up-close look at U.S. Army tanks and vehicles on display in one of the few opportunities to go “behind the curtain” and see what the U.S. military in their community is like.
“Members of the U.S. Army strive to be good neighbors and positive role models within this community,” said Nathan Van Schaik, an Army spokesman. “Servicemembers, DOD employees and their families participate in local events and organizations, so we hope our German neighbors come out and enjoy the 60th German-American Volksfest,” said Van Schaik.
egnash.Martin@stripes.com Twitter: @Marty_Stripes
