The Herbstfest, an autumn celebration hosted by the Max Kade Center for German-American Studies, brought together the Lawrence community for an afternoon of fall festivities on Oct. 22.

Charley-Ann Ortiz | @charleyann.ortiz

The event, held at the Center’s beautiful outdoor space, featured a variety of seasonal treats and activities that captured the spirit of fall and offered a cultural experience for all ages. 

While the event was open to all, it also offered a unique opportunity to practice speaking German with students and faculty members from the University of Kansas, adding an educational twist to the day’s activities. 

Mariae Janzen, an associate professor in the Department of Slavic, German, and Eurasian Studies and the director of the Max Kade Center for German-American Studies, shared what the center’s all about. 

“The center was founded in the early nineties, and it’s supported by the Max Kade Foundation and we curate a collection of materials related to German migrations to the United States.”

The word “Herbstfest” translates to “autumn celebration” in German, and this annual festival carries forward a long tradition of fall celebrations in German culture.

“We just wanted students to come hang out and connect with each other and then see the space,” Hannah Kaiser, the center’s student assistant who helped plan the event, said. “We also have yard games going on, so it’s a little more engaging, and yeah, I think it was a great success!”