About 245 people, most of Pennsylvania German ancestry, celebrated the Pennsylvania Dutch language and culture during the 84th annual Pennsylvania Dutch Gathering of Berks County held at the Leesport Farmers Market on April 21.
The annual event Die Yaehrlich Pennsylfawnisch Deitsch Fersommling Fun Baerricks Kaundy — translated as the annual Pennsylvania German gathering of Berks County — is sponsored and hosted by the Rawd (board) for Die Baerricks Kounty Pennsylfawnisch Deitsch Fersommling, or Berks County Pennsylvania German Gathering.
“We hope that they, first and foremost, have an enjoyable time hearing and speaking the PA German language,” Mary Laub of Maxatawny said in a statement.
The Pennsylvania German (Dutch) Fersommling is traditionally held every Easter Monday at the market in Ontelaunee Township.
“Since the PA Germans have a deep religious conviction and loyalty to the country, prayers are offered, the pledge to the flag is recited and patriotic songs, as well as other familiar PA German songs, are part of the program,” said Laub, publicity and constitution chair for the gathering.
The event included a buffet of PA Dutch food, music by the Happy Dutchmen Band, singing and speaking in PA German with an English translation and entertainment by Douglas Madenford and a children’s chorus.
“Attendees enjoy singing songs in the dialect and learning about the PA German language and heritage,” Laub said. “For those not familiar with the dialect, the event provides an excellent opportunity to meet with folks and hear the language, with a goal to perpetuate the language for future generations.”
A program with the evening’s events included English translations.
“It also provides an opportunity to reacquaint with friends and meet others who share the enthusiasm about the PA German language,” she added.
Annual tradition
The first Berks County Fersommling was held in 1937 at the Rajah Temple in Reading. The event has been held annually, except during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is the state’s largest annual Pennsylvania Dutch gathering whose purpose is to celebrate the Pennsylvania Dutch language and culture,” Laub said.
Of note are the different spellings of “Fersommling,” such as “Versammling” and “Fersammling.”
“The reason that there is a disparity is because, initially, there was no formalized spellings and dictionary, so phonics were used to spell words,” Laub said.
Overseeing the event were Rawd President Gary Bond and Vice President Richard Miller.
The Rawd — translated as ‘board’ or ‘wheel’ — consists of 30 men and women who come from different areas of Berks but share a Pennsylvania German background.
“(They) have the common goal of preserving and honoring the history of the Pennsylvania Dutch,” Laub said.
The Rawd meets several times a year at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center on the Kutztown University campus.
“At the Fersommling event, the Rawd members are acknowledged and wear a red handkerchief to distinguish themselves as resources for anyone needing assistance during the proceedings,” she said.
Among the highlights at this year’s event, Berks County Rawd board member Richard Seyfert was awarded a Fraktur certificate for his outstanding contribution to the board. The recipient of this annual award is voted upon by board members and is not announced until the Fersommling.
Pa Dutch celebration
The all-you-can-eat meal included traditional foods such as cottage cheese and apple butter, sausage, lettuce with bacon dressing and potato filling.
Dressed in authentic period dress complete with Lederhosen and Alpine hats, the Happy Dutchmen Band provided music. The band plays standard German marches to polkas, waltzes and various other German dances, as well as sing-along songs.
New for this year’s event, a children’s choir sang in the Pennsylvania German dialect. The group included Peter Zacharias Jr., Ben Zacharias, Douglas Franks and Daisy Franks, accompanied by guitarist Caleb Franks and assisted by Peter Zacharias.
“Their musical talent and knowledge of the dialect was commendable and well received by everyone,” Laub said.
The keynote speaker was educator and musician Doug Madenford. He performed songs in the dialect with an opportunity for audience participation and an English translation as needed. Chris LaRose served as his accompanist.
“A humorous dialogue between the two during the presentation was interesting and entertaining,” Laub said.
Next year’s Fersommling will be held on April 6. This is a ticketed event. For more information, see PA Deitsch Baerricks Kaundy on Facebook or contact Linda Alspach at lalspach@comcast.net.
Source: Berkshire mont
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