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CROWLEY - There was a time when it was forbidden to speak German in the Acadia Parish community of Roberts Cove.
Now the area is gearing up for its 28th Germanfest, celebrating the history and heritage of the area settled by 35 German families in the early 1800s.
Mariette Leonard Sikat, president of the Germanfest Association, told members of the Crowley Lions Club that, during World War II, residents of Roberts Cove were forbidden from speaking the language that had been handed down from their ancestors.
“Now, only a handful of people there speak German, and they’re all in their 80s,” Sikat said.
To be held Oct. 1 and 2 on the grounds of St. Leo Catholic Church, the Roberts Cove Germanfest began in 1995. The annual event has been welcoming over 12,000 visitors to the area the first full weekend in October for nearly 30 years.
Each year the event celebrates one or more of the original founding families. This year the Gossen family will be so honored, according to Sikat.
Germanfest features traditional Roberts Cove German foods such as wurst (sausage), kartoffel (potatoes), sauerkraut, zucker platzchen (sugar cookies) and desserts; and also highlights German cultural activities, folklore, music, dancing, and other great food and drinks.
“All of the food is prepared and cooked right there on the grounds,” Sikat said.
Music from the German bands invite festival-goers (young and not so young) to participate in the entertainment, along with the Germanfest Folk Singers and German dancers.
“People sometimes ask why we don’t get other bands to play,” Sikat said. “Well, then we’d just be another festival.”
Other attractions include an antique tractor club displaying antique tractors, the Blacksmith Association demonstrating old-time blacksmith skills, and Kinder Land, a “kid friendly” festival area with free games and activities.
German costumes are welcomed throughout the weekend.
Follow the signs from Interstate 10 Exit 87 for approximately three miles to the Germanfest.
For more information about the Roberts Cove Germanfest, visit the website at www.robertscovegermanfest.com.

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