Wishing all our blog readers a Happy Easter. This picture was taken of a handmade wreath at the German Sausage Festival in Elberta, AL where we went today.
Following I-98 from Foley, Elberta is the next town toward Pensacola, so not a long drive from our campground. I had found a note about this biannual festival in the visitors’ guide and reading that they usually do about 6,000 pounds of smoked German sausage on the grill, we just had to go there.
No knowing what to expect we got there at 10 a.m. and opted to pay the $5 parking fee for a spot in a nearby municipal parking area, as all the streets around the fair grounds were already chock full of parked cars.
The doxies had come with us so I left them with Benno in the air-conditioned truck to scout the place out. We had thought to beat the crowds by being early, but several hundred people were already milling around the rows of booths. There was the aroma of barbecued sausage wafting about and thick smoke billowed from the exhausts on top of the food building.
My guess is that there were maybe 200 exhibitors with handcrafts, jewelry, homemade clothing, honey, local cheese and many unusual art items. I took lots of pictures but will include only some for you to see.
At 11 a.m. I stood in line to purchase a couple of the famous German sausages that came with sauerkraut on a bun. There were 8 lineups to the open windows in the building where the sausages were being sold and handed out. The queues were growing by the minute and I could only guess what the lengths would be at lunchtime and that guess was 150 ft. each lineup. When it finally was my turn at the window I was asked ten bucks for two, but it’s a fund-raiser price for the local volunteer fire department and town, and seeing everyone happily taking away their nicely wrapped up packages, I also made my contribution.
Back at the truck Benno had been patiently waiting for my return and I rewarded him with that nice German Bratwurst. It was delicious we both agreed and I would purchase it again. We then went back to the fairgrounds. It was Benno’s turn to wander around. The dogs and I went to the park next to the beer tent where there were shady areas where they could walk around without being stepped on.
Once we had seen everything and the fair ground became dense with people it was time to leave. In the past this one-day event had over 20,000 visitors attend and today would probably be very similar. There were miles of cars backed up all in line to get to the German Sausage festival as we were driving down the highway. I am glad we had gone.
Glad you enjoyed it there and some tasty sausage and Kraut, Thanks for all the pictures, a good friend of ours was there yesterday as well.
ReplyDeleteIf we'd known your friend we could've said hi. Yes the bratwurst was excellent and the sauerkraut not sour, although it could have used some onions in it.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the festival and were willing to support a local cause.It looked like they had lots of interesting things to see and buy.
ReplyDeleteWishing you both a Safe and Happy Easter!
Rick and Kathy
It's about time.
Happy Easter to you too. Yes, I was tempted to purchase a few things but then, more stuff. The birdhouse sure was nice, but I think Benno could make a similar one for the our birds in our garden and they don't care how much it costs. ;-)
DeleteHappy Easter Marlene and Benno!
ReplyDeleteThank you Bill, the same to you and hope the Easter Bunny left something for you.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful day with so much to see and great Bratwurst. Yum! I wonder how many 'free' samples you can get at that beer booth? ha ha No one seems to be hanging around so they must shoo them away!
ReplyDeleteLoved the pictures, and even one with 'my' favourite flower, the sunflower.
Happy Easter!
The Bratwurst was very good and they are made and sold in Foley so we could purchase some, if we want to cook them ourselves.
DeleteYou have no idea how long I had to wait for people to vacate the beer booth to get a clear shot of the place without people ;-) I had to be quick! Happy Easter to you too.
Looks like a nice way to spend the day. You took your sausages to the sausage festival :) Happy Easter to you all.
ReplyDeleteYep, sausages everywhere, though some to eat and others to cuddle. Had a nice Easter, thank you.
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