

Scherenschnitt by Gudi Wittgen
The 43rd German American Festival welcomes Gudrun (Gudi) Wittgen of Hillsdale, Michigan demonstrating the art of "Scherenschnitt" or paper cutting on Saturday and Sunday in the Import Haus.
The art of paper cutting, scherenschnitt or silhouette cutting begins with a piece of black paper and little scissors. According to Gudi "I have to be very precise and certainly don't have the same freedom as the artist with a brush or a potter with clay. If you snip through a line or do something not quite right, there is no way to repair it and you must start over!" she adds that "the black paper and scissors bring the art to life"
The art form began in the Far East several thousand years ago. It captured the public's fancy in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. Gudi is self-taught in the art. Upon immigrating to the United States, she discovered that scherenschnitte was not a well-known art. She concentrated on introducing this exquisite form to the American public through workshops, presentations and programs.
Her works have been included in many publications, displayed in many galleries and museums and are held in many private collections. she has appeared on many television programs demonstrating paper cutting.
We welcome her to our Festival!
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Swiss
Steinstossen (Stone Throwing) Steinstossen Facts ==> Facts Steinstossen Rules and Regulations ==> Rules & Regulations Steinstossen Records ==> Records ___________________________________________________________________________________ |
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Target Shooting "Ready ... Aim ... Fire" and compete with the only Air Rifle Club in this area. Members of the GBU Schützenverein will host this special tournament throughout the Festival weekend. _________________________________________________________________________________ |
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Fussball - Soccer Europe's most thrilling sport comes alive on our own soccer field at the south end of Oak Shade Grove. Sunday afternoon Soccer Clinic teaching the basic skills plus a kicking contest with prizes! See Soccer Page for game and event times. Saturday - Soccer Field 1:00 p.m. Bavarian Sports Club vs. Windsor, Ontario 4:00 p.m. High School Girls League Varsity League Match: Cardinal Stritch vs. Woodmore Sunday - Soccer Field - Soccer Exhibition 1:00 Swiss Baysiders U-9 Girls 2:15 Swiss Baysiders U-11 Girls _________________________________________________________________________________ |
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Gymnastics Boys and girls from throughout the Toledo area demonstrate their gymnastic skills at the American Turner's Gymnastics Sunday - Fest Zelt - 2:00 p.m. American Turners Gymnastics Exhibition _________________________________________________________________________________ |
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Music and Dancing Have you ever met a German who didn't like to dance? It's intrinsic to our culture, and there's no better place than the German-American Festival to practice the lively art of German folk dances and polkas. Strike up the bands, and dance the day and night away with a host of superb bands and orchestras - just for you! Bands Schedule ==> Click Here _________________________________________________________________________________ |
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Children's Hummel Contest The live M. I. Hummel look-alike contest is open to all children from ages two to ten who gather props and dress to imitate a Hummel figurine. They must hold a pose for one minute while judged on how closely they resemble the actual Hummel figure. Prizes are awarded to the winners. Sunday at 4:15 PM in the Outdoor Pavilion. Hummel Info ==> Click Here Hummel Application and Rules ==> Click Here _________________________________________________________________________________ |