Traditional food, music, merriment at German Park Picnic Saturday
Patrons enter a past German Park Picnic.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com file photo
The popular event has been going on since 1938, and attracts thousands to its woodsy location at the German Park Recreation Club, about three miles northeast of Ann Arbor. Traditional German food, like knackwurst, bratwurst and spatzle, plus American fare and kid-friendly food (hot dogs, hamburgers) is served. German dance music comes courtesy the band Die Dorfmusikanten to help work off that last bite of strudel. The German Park Trachtengruppe Dancers also perform.
There will be beer - German beer - available by the cup or by the (gulp) bucket, which means no one under 21 will be admitted without a parent or guardian (photo ID required). Wine drinkers can enjoy a glass of Piesporter. There are lots of shady places to sit if it’s hot and the dance pavilion is covered in case it rains.
If you can’t make this one, the next two German Park picnics this summer are July 27 and Aug. 31. Auf wiedersehen.
Saturday, June 29, 2013. Gate open 4-9 p.m.; park closes at 11 p.m. 5549 Pontiac Trail. Price: $5 per person (12 and under, free). Details: www.germanpark.org.
Comments
Carrie Rheingans
Thu, Jun 27, 2013 : 3:03 p.m.
Anyone have any idea about shuttles to/from downtown, or the cost of cabs to/from? Buckets of beer and driving don't mix!
UncleMao
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 9 p.m.
I'm already in line.
EMU Prof
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 8:16 p.m.
From what I've been told, I've had a great time every year
treetowncartel
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 6:41 p.m.
@ Topcat, go with others and talk with them while in line, or strike up a conversation. While I call it spatzen, the spatzle there is very good.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 6:01 p.m.
I tried these and found that if I got there early, I waited 5 minutes to get in and 5 minutes in the food line and 3 minutes in the beer line. The beer line grew as the evening went on.
Top Cat
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 5:40 p.m.
I tried these and found that waiting 20 minutes on line to get in, 30 minutes in the food line and 20 minutes in the beer line wasn't for me.
MMB95
Fri, Jun 28, 2013 : 1:30 a.m.
More for me!
UncleMao
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 9:05 p.m.
The McDonald's drive through would probably be more to your liking. Super fast getting in, super fast getting your food, and many are nearby beer stores with equally quick service.
Linda Peck
Tue, Jun 25, 2013 : 5:20 p.m.
Thanks for this. It sounds like lots of fun!