Germanfest Returns to Robert’s Cove This Weekend

Louisiana is certainly known for its connection to the French but in a small community in Acadia Parish, the connection for many families is not tied to France but instead to Germany. That community, Robert's Cove, celebrates its German heritage this weekend with their annual Germanfest celebration.

The festival has been on hiatus for the past few years because of the COVID pandemic but organizers say they are back this year and this is the weekend. The weather couldn't be more cooperative for those who enjoy a good sausage, some cold beer, and dancing to oompah music from authentic bands.

The Germanfest celebration centers around St. Leo IV church in the Robert's Cove community. The church has been a centrepiece of civic life in the small Acadia Parish community for more than a century. The first Germanfest in Robert's Cove was held in 1995 and it has been an Acadiana favorite ever since.

For me, a frequent attendee of the festival, no it's because of my German heritage not because I love great food, beer, and desserts. Okay, that's a lie, I am of German descent but I was attracted to Germanfest because of two things, Zucher Platzkens and sausage and sauerkraut. If you don't know what Zucher Platzkens are, they are sugar cookies and although you can find the recipe here, they never seem to taste as good as they do when you enjoy them in Robert's Cove.

In addition to the music, food, and dancing, there are other demonstrations at the festival that might pique your curiosity. If you've ever wanted to know more about the art of making sauerkraut you can learn that. How about making German beer? Or could I interest you in a schnitzel or two? or twenty?

There is a demonstration you can attend for that too. In fact, here's the rundown of what's happening this weekend, according to the Facebook Page for the festival. 

The weather is going to be wonderful for both Saturday and Sunday and it will be October if you are German or of German descent you know that means Oktoberfest is in the air.

Remember the festival is a fundraiser too, so come early and bring lots of money to help support the festival and the church. I promise you will "lass die guten Zeiten ruhen". What's that mean? Let the good times roll, hey Germans can do that too and they will be doing a lot of it this weekend.