When immigrating to other countries there is no need to forget your own custom. And Frankenmuth is no exception. Even so the original purpose of bringing Christianity to the Chippewa tribe was the main driving power and has lost over time its strength. But maintaining there custom and living style is a strong pattern to keep when living outside of your own country and Region.
Frankenmuth is a small city in Saginaw Country in the U.S. State of Michigan. The city is located within Frankenmuth Township. But it is politically independent.
When you come the first time to the city you will be impressed of the size of Bonner’s Christmas Wonderland, which states to be the world largest Christmas Store and looking at the size just by driving by you’ll believe it. When driving the first time to Frankenmuth my first impression was I’m driving into a German town. When many years outside of your home country you’ll appreciate and recognize the typical house construction of your country and you just feel like at home.
History
Conservative Lutheran immigrants from Franconia (which is now Bavaria) came to this part of the States in 1845 according ‘wikipedia’. The German word “Franken” represents the Province of Franconia in the Kingdom of Bavaria and the German word “Muth” means courage, therefore the city name of “Frankenmuth” means “courage of the Franconians”.
The whole area around Frankenmuth is like a magnet for other Germans from the same Region. The names Frankenlust, Frankentrost and Frankenhilf illustrate the origin of the people that is Franconia or Franken.
Tourism
Tourism is the main source of income for domestic people. Over 3 million tourists come annually to the city and spend their money in Bavarian shops and taste Bavarian food and Bavarian beer. But not only Bavarian themed shops and products attract tourists, no, not at all. Frankenmuth also attracts tourists with festivals and other events whole year long. But I also can imagine that the strong influence of Franconian-style architecture attracts lot of people.
Entertainment
Talking about entertainment there is to mention:
* The World Expo of Beer (this event is mainly a community fund-raiser).
Dog Bowl and Great Lakes Hot Air Balloon Championships
The Dog Bowl is like an Olympic-series of many dog events. This event is held
over Memorial Weekend in late May.
* Bavarian Fest
The Bavarian Fest began in 1959 in working together with the Grand Opening Celebration of the Bavarian style addition to Fischer’s Hotel on Main Street of this small city.
The visitors are invited to hear Bavarian music played by authentically dressed German bands and watching the parades, enjoy dance music, face painting and lot more.
And as all this type of events you get offered German foods and dessert, and last not least the German and domestic Beer. Each year thousands of people enjoy the annual Sunday Bavarian Festival Parade.
* Summer Music Fest
For Polka-lovers there is the Summer Fest. This week-long Polka Festival takes place in Frankenmuth’s Heritage Park. But there is every weekend entertainment with Bavarian Music.
* Oktoberfest
And as in every Bavarian related festivity there is also the famous Oktoberfest. The Oktoberfest has been celebrated the first time in 1990. According to ‘wikipedia’ Frankenmuth is the first Oktoberfest outside of Munich to be sanctioned by the Parliament and the City of Munich.
When celebrating the Oktoberfest it is usual or chic to wear the typical and traditional garments like Lederhosen, Dirndl, Trachtenmode, and typical shoes. All this together makes the atmosphere you live at the original Oktoberfest in Munich.
* Frankenmuth Snow Fest
Frankenmuth is also host of the top snow-sculpting events in North America, called the Frankenmuth Ice Festival.
There is really all-year around activity for Bavarian-culture lovers and people enjoying entertainment from different cultures.
And you should not forget the largest Christmas Market where you can supply for Christmas season almost everything you can imagine.
So, why not organize the next escape to one of the festivals in Frankenmuth?
Anton Winkler
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Anton Winkler loves to write about different subjects. You can read more at his blog antonwinkler.com and antonsexclusivevacationtips
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