German Maifest Returns to Pivo Brewery in Calmar
Posted April 2025
The St. Lucas Historical Society is sponsoring the 3rd annual German Maifest at the Pivo Brewery on Saturday, April 26th, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM to raise funds for new computers and software to catalogue the German American Museum, Library and Family History Center collections and repair the blacksmith shop roof.
Maifest is the traditional German celebration of the arrival of Spring. Maifest is still celebrated throughout Germany, especially Bavaria, with the maypole (maibaum) decorated to show off the history and crafts of the local village or town. Mayfest, like Octoberfest, has now become a popular fest throughout many American cities and towns celebrating elements of their German cultural heritage.
The Guttenberg German Band will provide musical entertainment for the afternoon. The Guttenberg German Band was established in September 1988, initiated by Father Paul Peters of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg, who invited local church members to create a band for the yearly fall polka Mass. Thus, the Guttenberg German Band was born. Sister Jean Evelyn Menster BVM was a founding member of this band who played the accordion. She died in a car accident in 2004. Her favorite song was “Edelweiss” from the Sound of Music. The Guttenberg German Band specializes in playing authentic German music including marches, polkas, and waltzes, with a few specialty numbers.
The volunteers at the St. Lucas Historical Society will be serving a tasty German style dinner starting at noon. To rouse your appetite, Janet Bodensteiner, event organizer, says the meal includes delicious roasted pork loin, turkey casserole, homemade hot German potato salad, and all the trimmings.
“Our German style Maifest
“Your participation in this family friendly afternoon with traditional musical entertainment is very much encouraged,” states Clair Blong with the German American Museum. , “The Guttenberg German Band is a traditional and growing German village band with members from Guttenberg, Iowa, and surrounding towns.” We are friends who practice together for the love of German music. Our members come from all walks of life.” states the band’s website. The band will be playing from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Pivo Brewery.
At 2:00 PM, the dancers from Annie’s Dance Studio in Waucoma will present traditional dances around the Maypole, constructed by Ralph Steinlage of Lawler. Ralph likes the Maypole project because it unites community youth in celebrating heritage.
Craig Neuzil of Pivo Brewery says Pivo’s hospitality team will be serving Pivo’s many styles of beer, including the popular St. Lucas Honey Weiss Bier. There is no admission charge to this family friendly event.
Craig also notes that PIVO Brewery will keep the Maifest party going into the evening with numerous German style beers on tap and free live music by the Madlee from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.