In 1966, representatives of seven German and Swiss societies met to discuss the possibility of having a “Continental Day” to bring together those of German and Swiss heritage. The result of these discussions was a two-day event: the original German-American Festival.
The German-American Festival Society
The first German-American Festival was held at Raceway Park on August 27 and 28, 1966. It remained there until 1974. Subsequent festivals were held at the Lucas County Recreation Center until 1986. Finally in1987, the Festival was moved to its current and permanent home, Oak Shade Grove. The G.A.F. Society was formed by unification of the seven original German and Swiss societies in December, 1966. Encouraged by the success of the first event, the members agreed to hold further German-American Festivals. In January 1967, the G.A.F. Society was incorporated as a non-profi t organization under the laws of the State of Ohio. Ohio law was changed to permit its incorporation. In March 1971, the G.A.F. Society was determined to be a 501(c)(3)charitable organization. There is no other similar unified German and Swiss organization in the United States. The intent of the founders of the G.A.F. Society was to establish a German-American cultural center with profits from the German-American Festivals; to dedicate itself to the purpose of perpetuating cultural, athletic and scholastic achievement and in so doing would make sure that the seven original societies would have a home and never lose their identity.
About 2,000 volunteers, members and non-members, make the German-American festival possible every year. The festival is successful only due to the extraordinary unity of the members of the G.A.F. Society. Together, Germans, Swiss, and Americans now are upholding culture and traditions of yesteryear.
The German-American Festival, back in 1966, was the very first large-scale ethnic event ever held in our area. In the years since, it has been copied by many other ethnic societies. However, the GAF still remains the area’s oldest, largest, and most popular festival, 43 years later.
That very first festival was a big success because the population of northwest Ohio and southern Michigan welcomed the event. Today, its popularity continues as tens-of-thoudands of visit the festival each year. Oak Shade Grove is truely one of the most beautiful festival settings anywhere.
American Turners - Toledo
Celebrating over 70 years of Turnerism, the American
Turners - Toledo supports physical, cultural and social programs
for the entire family. Boys’ and girls’ gymnastics are held
at the Toledo Turner Gymnastics Building; 26280 Glenwood Rd.,
Perrysburg, OH 419-873-0511
Bayerischer Unterstützungs Verein
Founded in 1883 to perpetuate the Bavarian
culture and to help its members become “loyal U.S.
citizens,” the Bayerischer Unterstützungs Verein
brings together those who share a common heritage
and assists members and their families in coping with illness and death. A resultant
benefi t was the social camaraderie the club provided. Through the bonds of friendship
and with the welfare of its members at heart, an important part of its mission is
providing members with unparalleled insurance coverage.
Bavarian Sports Club
Located at 2102 Lagrange Street in Toledo, The
Bavarian Sports Club promotes athletic activities for
all ages, including bowling and soccer, and sponsors
the Holzhackerbuam Schuhplattler Gruppe.
Toledo Greater Beneficial Union - District 510
GBU is a not-for-profi t, fraternal benefi t society providing
life insurance and annuities, IRAs and savings plans. Members
of District #510-Toledo get together for community, social,
educational, and patriotic involvement. The club promotes cultural,
charitable, recreational, sport, and social activities for the entire family.Teutonia Männerchor -Toledo
The Teutonia Männerchor, founded in 1867 as a German
men’s chorus, is dedicated to the preservation and promotion
of German song. It is the oldest continuing performing arts
organization in the Toledo area and the oldest of the seven
societies. The Damenchor, or ladies’ chorus, was founded in 1969.
Komm sing mit uns.
Toledo Schwäbischer Unterstützungs-Verein
Toledo United Swiss
Founded in 1884 and located at Oak Shade Grove in
Oregon, the site of the German-American Festival, the Toledo
Schwäbischer Unterstützungs-Verein sponsors three annual
events: the Bockbier-Fest in the spring, the Waldfest in the
summer, and the Schwäbische Kirchweih in the fall.
The Toledo United Swiss — the Toledo Swiss Men’s
and Ladies’ Societies and the Toledo Swiss Singers — have
joined forces to preserve the culture and music of Switzerland
and unite the Swiss of Toledo in friendship
For additional information: please contact the 2010 German-American Festival chairman Tim Pecsenye at festchairman@gafsociety.org
