AN IMPORTANT UPDATE

June 22, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Cancelation of the
2020 German-American Steuben
Parade Philadelphia

(Philadelphia & Vicinity) Due to recently instituted restrictions the Steuben Day Observance Association announces the cancelation of what would have been the 50th German-American Steuben Parade as well as the Gala originally scheduled for September of this year.

While our proud German-Americans will not march forth this year in heritage, pride, and remembrance of our shared history and culture, the Steuben Day Observance Association strongly supports any efforts by and for our member clubs, associations, societies and their member families as well as the communities in Rockledge and Fox Chase. Our community is strong because the cultures of the clubs and their members drive our story and our way of life.

Now, we call on all members of our community to support your local club, when they are open for food & beverage sales, events, fundraising and more. The continuance of the pride of being an American of German descent lies at the clubs.

Information Contact:
Michael Fricker
[email protected]
Corresponding Secretary
Steuben Day Observance Association

COVID-19 Update

May 20, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

An Update on Philadelphia Sommerfest

In the response to the uncertainty regarding COVID-19

(Philadelphia & Vicinity) The Steuben Day Observance Association along with the Cannstatter Volksfest Verein have decided to cancel “Philadelphia Sommerfest” originally scheduled for June 27.

This decision was made with the best interests in health, safety, and culture of the clubs and their members in consideration. Though reopening plans have begun to surface in Pennsylvania and the neighboring states many large events will still be impossible in a manner we are used to.

In previous releases we announced that for the 2020-2021 season, our organization will not select and crown a new court. Graciously the current members of the court, Shelby Reed, Miss German-America, and Sarah Gilgenast, Princess, will remain in their roles for the remainder of the year representing our German-American Community and the Parade with Heritage, Pride, and Humility.

Our association is now working towards a plan for the fall monitoring closely the reopening efforts and considering the best plan to march forward in our traditions. Do not doubt that the minute we are able to safely gather again, to see each other, to dance and enjoy our local live music, to share in an authentic meal or smile over a cold drink, we will.

As we continue to monitor the situations please look to our social media, website, and any further communications for updates in these areas.

Information Contact:
Michael Fricker [email protected]
Corresponding Secretary
Steuben Day Observance Association

COVID-19 Update

April 30, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

An Update on COVID-19 & the Steuben Day Observance Association

(Philadelphia & Vicinity) The Steuben Day Observance Association is diligently working with the hosts of our events, our Executive Committee, and local authorities on issues surrounding the spread of COVID-19.

At this time Philadelphia Sommerfest is still planned for June 27 at the Cannstatter Volksfest Verein. Our organization has been in communication with the club and are weighing all aspects of the event and continue to monitor the situation currently. Any decision made will take the best interests in health, safety, and culture of the clubs and their members into consideration.

The Executive Committee together with the Queen Selection Committee would like to announce that for the 2020-2021 season, our organization will not select and crown a new court. With the changes to the schedule due to the recent health crisis many events this winter and in the coming spring have been postponed or canceled changing the landscape of our community activities.

Graciously the current members of the court, Shelby Reed, Miss German-America, and Sarah Gilgenast, Princess, will remain in their roles for the remainder of the year representing our German-American Community and the Parade with Heritage, Pride, and Humility.

As we continue to monitor the situations please look to our social media, website, and any further communications for updates in these areas.

Information Contact:
Michael Fricker [email protected]
Corresponding Secretary
Steuben Day Observance Association

1934 - 2020

Remembering Bruno Karnas

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bruno Karnas who left us during the evening of April 16, 2020 from complications due to COVID-19.

“Bruno Karnas had a vision and worked tirelessly to lead our Philadelphia area German American Community to march at an unprecedented pace. My sincere condolences to the Karnas Family and all of Bruno's friends at the Cannstatter Volksfest Verein and the G.T.V. Almrausch.” - Werner Fricker Jr.

Bruno led our community as President and General Chairman of our Parade for many years. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family especially his wife Astrid at this difficult time.

March 1, 2020 through September 26, 2020

2020 Donation Drive

We thank-you for your past support but need your continued help! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation in support of our Association. For further information please review our letter and consider making a donation.

* * CANCELLED * *

2020 Miss German-America Selection

As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the German-American Parade Philadelphia, 47 of those parades had Royalty reign over them. We look to continue that tradition, and are on a quest for our 48th Miss German America and her Cornflower Court!

We are looking for young women between the ages of 20-26 to represent our community at various German-American events, to reign over our Philadelphia Steuben Parade, and to represent us at the Steuben Parade in New York City.

The three finalists will receive scholarship money in addition to other prizes.

Won’t you please help us in our search? Kindly review the attached application and pass it along to anyone who might make the perfect candidate!

* * CANCELLED * *

2020 Philadelphia Sommerfest

The Steuben Day Observance Association along with the Cannstatter Volksfest Verein have decided to cancel “Philadelphia Sommerfest” originally scheduled for June 27.

This decision was made with the best interests in health, safety, and culture of the clubs and their members in consideration. Though reopening plans have begun to surface in Pennsylvania and the neighboring states many large events will still be impossible in a manner we are used to.

Location:

Cannstatter Volksfest Verein
9130 Academy Road
Philadelphia, PA

Festivities begin at 1:00 PM

$7.00 Pre-Sale Tickets available
$10.00 Admission at the Gate
12 and Under (FREE)

Entertainment/Events:

• Music -
  • Don Bitterlich & his Accordian
  • The Philadelphia German Brass Band
• Dance Performances
• Soccer Games
• Masskrugstemmen Contest

* * Cancelled * *

50^th Steuben Parade Gala Banquet

Due to recently instituted restrictions the Steuben Day Observance Association announces the cancelation of what would have been the 50th German-American Steuben Parade as well as the Gala originally scheduled for September of this year.

* * Cancelled * *

50^th German-American
Steuben Parade

Due to recently instituted restrictions the Steuben Day Observance Association announces the cancelation of what would have been the 50th German-American Steuben Parade as well as the Gala originally scheduled for September of this year.